New framework, old measures

Influenced by the Black/Frost review, the UK government has created a new standardised framework for absence management in the shape of the Fit Note and Fit for Work schemes (see below). Coupled with the Statutory Sick Pay scheme (see page 48) it means there are now three potential phases in any episode of sickness absence:

• Days one to seven: During the first seven calendar days of sickness, the employee will have to notify the employer of absence in accordance with its policy, underpinned by SSP rules which would normally require the employee to be paid at least SSP from the fourth day (see page 48);

• More than seven days: If absence continues, the employee would be expected to obtain a Fit Note from their GP setting out what sort of work they might be able to do, if any (see page 17).

• Four weeks: If absence continues, at or around the four-week mark, the employee will be referred for a Fit for Work assessment to map out a route back into work.

Employers’ own absence management arrangements will continue to be superimposed, for example, recurrent periods of short-term absence may trigger a sickness review or disciplinary action, and there may be regular Return to Work interviews. In short, the new system still leaves a lot to be decided by employers and this should be done through negotiation.