Managing Attendance Policy - Halton and St Helens PCT

When calling, employees should state the reason for their absence and when theyexpect to return to work.Messages should only be left with other team members if it is not possible to speakwith your Line Manager. It is not acceptable to e-mail or text an absence notification.Employees should agree with their Line Manager when notifying of absence howregular contact will be maintained, and that they will notify their Line Manager of theirreturn date.If an absence lasts longer than 3 calendar days (this includes weekends and BankHolidays) then a “self-certification” form should be completed. These are available onthe Trust intranet and from GP Surgeries and Benefit Offices; alternatively you canaccess this at www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/sc2.pdf. It is the employee’s responsibility tocomplete this form and return it to their Line Manager within 2 working days from thedate of issue.If an absence lasts longer than 7 calendar days (including weekends and BankHolidays) then a Fit Note from a GP or hospital must be obtained. The Fit Note mustbe sent to the Line Manager within 2 working days from the date of issue from theGP.It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure their absence is accurately notified inorder to maintain sick pay as appropriate.Staff will need to ensure their Fitness for Work Note covers their period of absence,and therefore must ensure that certificates follow concurrently.The Fitness for Work Note will detail whether a further assessment on fitness to workis needed at the end of the stated periodIf absence is due to an injury or disease caused by work then staff must ensure theyreport this as soon as known to their Line Manager in order that appropriate adviceand forms can be completed.Staff will not be entitled to an additional day off if sick on a statutory holiday.Breaches of the ‘Managing Attendance’ Policy will be dealt with under the Disciplinary Policy,and could result in disciplinary action.Conduct during Sickness AbsenceIn all cases of sickness or injury that necessitate taking time off work, it is expected that staff willdo their utmost to facilitate their return to fitness and to work. In this regard, staff are expectedto act sensibly and honestly. The Trust would not, in normal circumstances expect an employeewho is absent from work due to sickness or injury to: Participate in any sports, hobbies, social activities etc, which are in any wayinconsistent with their stated illness or injury or which could aggravate the illness orinjury or which could delay or impede recovery Undertake any other employment whether paid or unpaid. A breach of any of the above could be deemed to be gross misconduct and may leadto dismissal under the Disciplinary Procedure.Page 9 of 31