Sickness Absence Policy - June 2025

8. Interaction between short and long-term absence

You should note that the procedure will be the same for either short-term, intermittent absences (usually an absence of less than a four weeks), or a long-term absence (usually a continuous absence of a four weeks or over). However, if during the formal procedure your pattern of sickness absence changes from short term to long-term, particularly where the reason for absence may be disability related, it may be appropriate to seek further medical information from the Occupational Health Service.

Whilst this information is being sought you will remain at the same stage of the formal absence management procedure so the nature of your illness or condition can be considered and following the advice of Occupational Health decide whether reasonable adjustments are required prior to moving to the next stage of the procedure. The decision to remain at the same stage will be made on a ‘case by case’ basis depending on the facts and your line manager should seek advice from the appropriate HR Business Partner.