The University is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its employees and providing appropriate support in relation to their health and attendance at work.
The aims of this policy are to:
- Provide employees and managers with a standard process and consistent approach for managing, recording and reporting sickness absence;
- Promote a positive culture of attendance;
- Minimise sickness absence levels and help facilitate employees' return to work;
- Offer support and assistance to staff experiencing ill-health;
- Ensure the University acts in a fair, reasonable and consistent manner when dealing with sickness absence issues.
Employees who are unable to attend work due to ill-health are required to notify their manager of their absence as soon as possible. After their return to work employeees should hand a CHRIS/62 sickness self-certificate to the HR Office, or in cases of sickness absence lasting over 7 days, a note from their doctor.
The Department sickness absence policy also asks managers to hold a return to work discussion with the employee after their return to work; the form RET1 should be used to record the discussion.
Managers should be supportive of employees when managing sickness absence and ensure that it is addressed in a caring and sensitive manner and with a fair and consistent approach, balancing the needs of individual employees with those of the University.
Guidance and advice should be sought from the HR Office for any specific concerns regarding the application of the policy, including further advice on managing sickness absence.
