86. Allowance for Short-Term Sickness
86.1. Employees are allowed up to 9 days of short-term sickness absence within a 12-month rolling period without formal action.
86.1.1. Short-term sickness includes any absence lasting 7 calendar days or fewer.
86.2. Sickness Absence Triggers
86.2.1. Trigger 1: Early Concern
86.2.1.1. 9 days of sickness absence in a rolling 12-month period OR
86.2.1.2. 3 separate sickness instances within 3 months
86.2.1.3. → Sickness Review Meeting
86.2.1.3 Purpose:

  • Understand causes of absence

  • Offer support

  • Identify any patterns

  • Agree initial steps to improve attendance

86.2.2. Trigger 2: Formal Concern
86.2.2.1. Exceeding 11 days of sickness absence in a rolling 12-month period
86.2.2.2. → Sickness Improvement Plan (SIP)
86.2.2.3. The SIP may include:

  • Attendance targets

  • Review meetings

  • Reasonable adjustments

  • Referral to occupational health (if needed)

86.2.2.4. Duration typically 4–12 weeks depending on the situation.
86.2.3. Critical Trigger: Serious Concern
86.2.3.1. 15+ days of sickness absence OR failure to improve while on a SIP
86.2.3.2. → Possible disciplinary or capability process
86.2.3.3. This stage may include:

  • Formal warnings

  • Escalation under the Attendance Management Procedure

  • In severe or persistent cases, capability dismissal (handled fairly and lawfully)

86.3. Long-Term Sickness
86.3.1. Long-term sickness is defined as 4 weeks or more of continuous absence. A separate process will apply, focused on support, regular communication, and medical advice.
86.4. Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
86.4.1. Absence relating to a disability will be managed sensitively and in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Reasonable adjustments will always be explored.
86.5. Return-to-Work Meetings
86.5.1. A return-to-work meeting will be held after any sickness absence to:

  • Confirm the employee is fit to return

  • Discuss any ongoing support needs

  • Update absence records

  • Identify patterns or concerns early

86.6. Record Keeping
86.6.1. All sickness absences will be logged and monitored on a rolling 12-month basis.

Employee

Allowance for Short-Term Sickness