Sickness absence management: UK employment law

Essential points

• Employers should distinguish between different forms of sickness absence.
• Authorised short-term absences may include attending medical appointments and sickness absence. 
• Employers should investigate the cause of unauthorised absences and respond appropriately. 
• Authorised absences should be managed in accordance with an organisation's policies on sickness absence. 

The Employment Rights Bill will give employees the right to statutory sick pay from day one of illness (rather than day four) and from the start of employment. It will also remove the lower earnings limit. Keep up to date with the latest on these changes with our Tracker of potential law changes.

This page outlines the current legislation around sick pay that should still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once any changes are enforced.