Features

HR Update: After a long absence is your employee fit to return to work?

Management
Dealing with a case of long-term sickness can be a difficult issue. Last month's column looked at how to obtain a doctor's report. Once the report has been received, there are a number of further steps to be taken, says Jacqui Mann

The first step is to arrange a meeting with the employee to discuss the contents of the report. Ask where they would like to meet - at work, at their home or somewhere neutral. You will need to discuss the following:

At this stage you will need to make a judgement as to whether the job can be kept open taking into consideration:

If the employee returns to work, you may request a note from their doctor to say they are fit to return to work.

If you are unable to hold the position open any longer, and all alternatives have been discussed with the individual, then the employee may be dismissed. This will be with the correct notice pay plus payment for any accrued but untaken holiday. The employee must be given the right of appeal.

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