As winter really kicks in, Acas has set out some essential information for employers regarding staff absences from work.
Apart from annual holiday entitlement, an employee might need time off work for reasons including:
- short-term and long-term sickness, including mental health conditions
- helping a child, partner or relative
- medical and hospital appointments
- pregnancy-related illnesses and appointments, including IVF
- extreme weather or transport problems, making travelling to work difficult or impossible
- bereavement
Each workplace might have different rules on what they see as acceptable reasons for absence and what they will pay.
Because of this, Acas says, every workplace should have its own absence policy.
What an absence policy should cover
An absence policy should make clear exactly what’s expected from both the employer and employee if the employee needs to take time off work.
An absence policy should include:
- how to report absences, including who the employee should contact and when
- when the employee needs to get a fit note
- when return to work discussions will be held and with who
- how and when to keep in touch
- how the employer keeps track of absence and if they set any review or ‘trigger’ points
- what to do if someone needs time off for reasons related to their disability
- whether the employer provides occupational health or an employee assistance programme (EAP) and when this starts
- how much the employee will be paid and for how long – see more on sick pay
Businesses are advised to recheck their policies in order to protect both the business and the employees. If no policies are in place, Acas provides a best practice guide and tailored support is also available.