Sickness and absence

Supporting Attendance at Work

We value our employees and are working to create a culture where employees and line managers work together to support wellbeing and prevent or reduce sickness absence occurring, as far as possible.

In the instance that you are unwell, we want to help you with your recovery and minimise absence from work and we will do all of this by putting supportive, consistent and fair procedures in place. It is our intention that the Supporting Attendance at Work Policy and Procedure be used positively and constructively to help you to return to or remain at work.

Supporting Attendance at Work Policy

Supporting Attendance at Work Procedure

Occupational Health Referrals

Redeployment for medical reasons

Coronavirus

Visit the Coronavirus advice page for information on the latest guidance and general advice. If you need to report an absence related to Coronavirus please call the absence line using the details below. The absence line must also be notified of a return to work following a Coronavirus related absence.

Absence Line

Employees should call the absence line on the first day of absence* and again to advise of their return to work. Line managers will receive an email notifying them of an employee’s start and return from absence.

* If your work needs to be covered by another member of staff or if you are relied upon to carry out a shift or scheduled work then please make sure your line manager is contacted as soon as possible so they can arrange cover for you. Your manager will report your absence to the absence line on your behalf.

Call the absence line on 01546 605513 and press 1 to speak to the attendance team. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Should you be off for more than three consecutive days, on day four you should contact your line manager and tell them whether or not your illness is likely to continue beyond seven days.

If you are off for more than seven consecutive days (regardless of whether or not these are working days), you must visit your doctor/GP and get a ‘Fit Note’ which must be sent to your line manager as soon as possible. See the Absence Line Procedure below for further information.

Employee Assistance Programme

The employee assistance programme can provide you with independent confidential support and is available to all employees, their spouses or partners and dependents (aged 16-24 if in full time education). For further information please visit the EAP information page.

The Guardian Service

For HSCP employees the Guardian service is independent and confidential and is for staff to discuss matters relating to patient and service user care and safety, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment, and workplace grievances.

The guardians are external to the HSCP and will provide information and emotional support in a strictly confidential, non-judgemental manner. The ‘Speak Up’ Guardian Service can be accessed 24/7 via 0333 577 5955 or by email at contact@theguardianservice.co.uk You can also find out more information on their website at www.theguardianservice.co.uk.