February HR briefing - sickness absence

Further to last month’s review of Sick Pay arrangements for council employees this month we are taking a look at managing the absence itself – employee rights, employer obligations and how a council can manage absence.

• Why is Sickness Absence such a concern in local councils?
• What measures can a council adopt to manage sickness absence?
• How can we get a medical opinion?
• When might absence lead to a misconduct disciplinary action?
• When might absence lead to a capability process?
• Can an employee be dismissed under a Capability Procedure?
• What about equality legislation relating to disability rights?
• What other measures can be adopted to support attendance at work?

For more information take a look at:
GOV.uk guidance:  https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leaveHealth and Safety Executive guidance:  http://www.hse.gov.uk/sicknessabsence/
The new Government-backed Occupational Health service (more information to follow before April 2015 launch) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/362480/fit-for-work.pdf 

The full briefing is on the BALC website here

Prepared by Bethan Osborne, Employment and HR Consultant to Berkshire Association of Local Councils - February 2015