When does an employee return to work after long term sickness?

When an employee is returning to work following long-term sickness absence, their line manager should arrange to meet informally with them. Ideally, the return-to-work interview will take place prior to the employee’s return to work, to allow time for any necessary adjustments to be made to the employee’s working arrangements and conditions.

Can an employer dismiss an employee for long term sick leave?

The definition of long-term sickness can vary from employer to employer. Under the Fair Work Act, an employee is protected from dismissal, when on a temporary leave of absence due to illness or injury, for up to three consecutive months or three months over the last twelve months. Can an employer dismiss an employee for long term sickness?

How to return an employee to work after a long absence?

Where an employee has been on long-term sickness absence, a phased return will often be the most successful way of returning him or her to work. A phased return to work allows an employee to transition from ill-health absence back to full (or sometimes permanently amended) work duties.

Do you have to give a fit note when you return to work after sick leave?

If employees are off work for 7 days or less, they do not need to give their employer a fit note or other proof of sickness from a medical professional. When they return to work, their employer can ask them to confirm they’ve been off sick. This is called ‘self-certification’. The employer and employee will agree on how the employee should do this.

Why do employers need a long-term sickness absence policy?

A watertight long-term sickness absence policy can give employees who are off work for an extended period the best chance of returning to work, and reduce the risk of employers facing disability discrimination or unfair dismissal claims. How should employers formulate their long-term sickness absence policy?