Essential points
- Employers should distinguish between lateness, short-term absences and long-term absences, and authorised and unauthorised absence.
- Authorised short-term absences may include attending medical appointments and specific religious observances, annual leave and sickness absence; unauthorised short-term absences could include persistent lateness.
- Employers should investigate the cause of unauthorised absences and then respond appropriately, which could include authorising a temporary adjustment to cope with exceptional circumstances or disciplinary action.
- Authorised absences should be managed in accordance with an organisation’s policies on annual leave and sickness absence.
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Disclaimer
Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.
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