Learn how to measure sickness absence, the main components of an absence policy, and how to address short- and long-term absence in an organisation.
Employees may need time off for a variety of reasons, from short-term sickness to longer-term health issues. An effective absence management framework should support employees' health needs while providing clear and consistent guidance to avoid unauthorised absence or inappropriate use of sick pay schemes.
This factsheet takes a closer look at sickness absence, the reasons for it, and its implications for organisations.
Explore our viewpoint on employee health and wellbeing in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.
Read our recommendations for an effective sick pay system.
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Find the resources you need to comply with changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) under the Employment Rights Act 2025
Our Submission to the Department for Business and Trade, Kate Dearden MP and the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP
Use our range of practical tools to help you manage absence effectively
Guidance for employers on the claims process, the tribunal hearing and settlement of claims
Understand how to build an effective approach to performance management, including the tools that can support it
Learn the fundamentals of disciplinary and grievance policies and practices in the workplace
Introductory guidance on dismissal in the UK, with advice on following a fair dismissal procedure