Managing Absence

Employers frequently complain that some employees treat any contractual sick pay entitlement as extra annual holidays.  Few employers however take the time and effort to deal with the issue. This not only encourages abuse of the system but also creates resentment on the part of co-workers who are required to pick up the slack.  It is important that employers properly manage absence by regular monitoring, and where appropriate, disciplinary action.  To deal with this effectively, employers need to be aware of the procedure for obtaining medical information and must consider issues arising under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.