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promotions. Failure to comply with the absence procedure will be dealt with under the disciplinary
procedure.

2.8.1 Absence from Work – Notification Requirements on the Day
Employees absent from work without prior permission must personally notify their line manager, or
an alternative manager, within a certain number of hours of their scheduled starting time. This
number of hours is specified in the employee's contract of employment. The employee should give
details of the reason for their absence and indicate when they believe they will return to work. The
Company will continuously monitor absence levels. All absences other than certified illness, force
majeure, annual leave or written leave of absence approved by management, may be subject to
disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures outlined.

Please refer to the Teacher’s Manual for details of cover for Academic Staff.
2.8.2 Punctuality
The Company attaches great importance to punctuality. You are expected to be at your workstation
at your agreed start time. If you arrive late, you must report to your Manager before starting work.

The appropriate stage of the Disciplinary Procedure will be instigated if an employee is persistently
late. Persistent lateness is defined as:

• More than three occasions late in a four-week period; and
• More than 150 minutes late in four-week period
2.8.3 Doctor/Dentist Appointment
If, for reasons such as a doctor's/dentist's appointment, you need to request time off, you must agree
the time in advance, with your Manager so that he/she can arrange the necessary cover. Such time
off is at your own expense. Where possible, appointments should be made outside your normal
working hours.

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.

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