06 Sep Three sickness absence myths

Over the years, I’ve heard various myths relating to sickness absence perpetuated in part by the fact that employees don’t always read their employer’s policies and procedures until they have to. Consequently, they don’t fully appreciate that contractual sick pay places them under certain obligations.

1. My line manager can’t call me while I’m off sick.

Yes, they can – within reason. Some sickness policies state the level of contact between you and your manager during the sick leave period. Generally, this is to keep in touch with you, arrange occupational health appointments, sickness meetings, or it may be to update you about a significant event, like organisational change.

2. I have a sick note (now called a fit-note), so my sickness absence cannot be managed nor can I be given a warning for short-term sickness absence.

Incorrect. A fit note provides evidence of your fitness to work and your condition. Even though you have a fit note, your short-term sickness absence management is subject to your employer’s organisation’s policy and procedure. The procedure for managing long-term sickness absence is somewhat different, but the principle remains that your employer can address your sickness absence even if you have a fit note.

3. I am allowed a certain number of sick days per year.

There is no general entitlement to a certain amount of sick days per year. Sick leave is for genuine sickness and is no substitute or add-on to any other type of leave provision.

I encourage you to make it a priority to read your organisation’s policies and procedures so that you can separate myths from the truth.

© Dawn H Jones is an HR Consultant.

Previous versions February, and 1 October 2018, latest revision 6 September 2020.

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© Dawn H Jones is an HR Consultant.