20181119 BS EDITED TechStream Handbook WIP

1.5.5 Managing Long-Term Sickness
Long-term absence is when staff have not attended work for a continuous period of two weeks or
more.
Long-term absence may be specific and clearly defined or may be relatively non-specific and indefinite.
Where an individual has, for example, a broken leg or has had an operation, there is normally a
predictable end date to the absence after which they can be expected to return to work and resume
a satisfactory attendance record. In such cases, it will not normally be necessary for managers to take
action other than to remain in contact with the individual, which should be agreed by both the
employee and manager ideally in advance.
The more difficult situations are those where the cause of the illness is less well defined and the
timescale for a return to work is unknown. This procedure is intended to enable managers to deal
fairly and reasonably with such cases.
1.5.6 Incapacity
At 4 weeks of absence – consideration will be given if there is a reasonable expected return to work
date and whether the absence is temporary or permanent. If there is no reasonable expectation of an
imminent return to work, an Incapacity Hearing should take place.
This Incapacity Hearing should follow the same process as a Disciplinary Hearing where the employee:
• Is invited in writing
• Is allowed to be internally represented
• Is allowed to present any relevant evidence for consideration
• Should be informed of any decisions of that meeting in writing.
• The Chairperson of the Incapacity Hearing will consider whether or not the employee is capable
of performing; and
• if the employee is not capable –
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o
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the extent to which the employee is able to perform the work;
the extent to which the employee’s work circumstances might be adapted to
accommodate disability, or, where this is not possible, the extent to which the
employee’s duties might be adapted; and
the availability of any suitable alternative work.
1.5.7 Medical Record Consent
Reports from an employee’s GP or treating specialist can only be obtained with an individual's written
permission. In the unlikely event that an employee refuses permission, managers will make decisions
on such information as is available to them.
TechStream Global Limited, Annexe A, Long Kloof Studios, Darters Road, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa,
8001 Tel: +27 (0) 21 422 0851 W: www.TechStreamglobal.com
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