Sickness absence and redundancy selection 


A worker's attendance record can be used as a criterion when selecting for redundancy (see Chapter 11: Selection for redundancy). Selection criteria like attendance can discriminate, for example, against women, who are more likely to have time off for caring responsibilities. To minimise discriminatory impact, the Equality and Human Rights Commission says that employers should always use a range of criteria. 


Union negotiators should argue for disability-related absences to be excluded altogether. Pregnancy-related sickness absence and statutory leave for family emergencies should also be excluded.