HR Tip: Persistent absenteeism

HRD & Payroll Solutions continues to bring HR Zone members a range of HR and payroll tips in 2007. A market leader in the provision of HR and Payroll training and nationally recognised professional qualifications, HRD & Payroll Solutions are highly experienced in teaching about common HR and payroll problems. A wide selection of tips, tricks and guidance can be seen below. HR Zone highly recommends that any tips are taken as a starting point for guidance only.

Question: "A small hardcore of our employees is absent regularly on Mondays, Fridays and the days before and after holidays. However they always have a plausible reason, usually sickness, which we are unable to prove one way or another. Is there anything we can do?"

HR Tip:
Indeed there is. The next time one of them has one of these absences, discuss the reason and also point out the unfortunate pattern. You do not need proof that the absence is genuine. If you have adequately explored the reasons with the employee and conclude that not all these absences have been genuine, then you are entitled to take disciplinary action. Just make sure that you are basing your decision on the pattern of absence and not on other factors such as the employee looks shifty or is not a good worker.

Previous HR and Payroll tips

January 2007
Confidential witness statements
Ending a fixed term contract

December
Resignation and references
Different disciplinary offences

November
Behaviour outside work
First in, last out redundancy selection
Staff appraisals
Disability
Submitting grievances

October
Probation periods and continuous service
Multiple sclerosis
Appeal against Employment Tribunal decision
Refusal to accept written particulars

September
Providing prescription spectacles
Racially based nicknames
Foster parents and flexible working

August
‘Forced’ resignations
Defining 'theft'
Job share contract
Jury service
Meaning of "reasonable"

July
Delay in accepting an offer
Notice for senior staff
Withdrawing notice
Instant dismissal

June
Probation periods
When to issue contractual statements
Rates for overtime work
Payment during suspension

May
Proof of drunkenness
Carrying over holidays
Relaxation classes
Open University course
Moonlighting

April
Custom and practice
Sex discrimination
Dismissal settlements
Refusing SSP

March
Re-engagement following redundancy
Return from maternity leave
Qualifying for employment protection
Grievance procedure