Page 16 - EQA Employee Handbook

2.8.4 Sickness Whilst at Work
If you fall ill at work, you should get authorisation from the Manager to leave work.

2.8.5 Absence due to Sickness
In the case of absence due to sickness, you must also advise your Manager of the nature of your illness
and your expected date of return.
Before returning to work from sickness absence, you may be required to provide a doctor’s
verification/certificate that it is safe for you to do so. The company may, at any time, require an
employee to submit to a medical examination by a doctor nominated by the company regardless of
the length of absence.

2.8.6 Medical Certificates
If you are absent from work due to sickness on the third working day of absence, you must submit a
medical certificate to your Manager so that it is received on or before the fourth day of absence.
Where this is not possible, you must contact him or her to explain the reason. All medical certificates
must state the nature and expected duration of your illness.

In the case of ongoing sickness or illness you must telephone your Manager every Monday, advising
that the absence is going to continue. Medical certificates must also be submitted on a weekly basis.

Note: that any misrepresentation on medical certificates may lead to instigation of disciplinary
proceedings.

2.8.7 Illness while on holiday leave
If an employee should fall ill while on holiday you should inform your Manager. The Company will treat
the holiday leave as sick leave, if medical certification is provided.

2.8.8 Absence adjacent to holiday leave
If an employee should fall ill adjacent to approved holiday leave it is at the company's discretion to
withdraw approval for that holiday leave. Should approval be withdrawn, your Manager will inform
you of this.

2.8.9 Referral to the Company Doctor
The Company will be entitled, at its expense, to require you to be examined by an independent
medical practitioner of the Company's choice at any time (whether or not you are absent by reason
of sickness or injury) and you agree that the doctor carrying out the examination may disclose to and
discuss with the Company the results of the examination.

An employee will always be given at least 48 hours’ notice to attend the company appointed Doctor,

Employees will be asked to inform their Manager of any problem with attendance at the appointment.
Failure to notify your Manager results in an additional cost to the Company.
2.8.10 On Your Return to Work
Immediately on your return to work from sick leave, you must report to your Manager. He or she will
discuss with you the reason for your absence and complete the return to work interview with you.

2.8.11 Short-term Persistent Sickness Absence
In cases where you are consistently absent, whether medically certified or not, the Company reserves
the right to initiate disciplinary procedures. This will also apply where your absence shows an
unacceptable pattern or failure to meet contractual obligations i.e. attend work.

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