Absence management

Managing sickness and other absence fairly and lawfully.

What it means

Absence management covers recording absence, return-to-work conversations, triggers for formal action, and occupational health referrals.

Why it matters

Absence is costly and mismanaging it is more so — particularly where it relates to a disability, where adjustments may be owed before any capability process.

What it looks like in practice

Return-to-work conversations after every absence are the most effective single intervention, and they are also where support needs surface.\n\nBradford factor and similar triggers are common; they must be applied with discretion where disability is involved.

What to watch out for

Applying absence triggers mechanically to disability-related absence. Adjusting the trigger is a standard reasonable adjustment.

Where to get proper advice

https://www.acas.org.uk/