Page 16 - OKelly Sutton Employee Handbook March19

2.12.7 Illness while on holiday leave
If an employee should fall ill while on holiday you should inform a Partner/Director. The Company will
treat the holiday leave as sick leave, if medical certification is provided.

2.12.8 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 Should approval be withdrawn a Partner/Director will
inform you of this.
2.12.9 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 a Partner/Director of any problem with attendance at the
appointment. Failure to notify a Partner/Director results in an additional cost to the Company.

2.12.10 On Your Return to Work
Immediately on your return to work from sick leave, you must report to a Partner/Director. He or she
will discuss with you the reason for your absence and complete the return to work interview with you.

2.12.11 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.

2.12.12 Excessive Sickness Absence
Due to possible impacts to your contractual obligations or your capability to carry out your role any
unacceptable pattern or high level of sickness absence will lead to a formal interview with a
Partner/Director. After each instance of absenteeism, a Partner/Director will conduct a return to work
interview with you. On the third return to work interview in as many months, a Partner/Director will
explain to you that you are now in a formal counselling session. Failure to improve attendance can
lead to disciplinary action being taken.

The formal counselling session will aim to:

• Identify the frequency and reason for the absence and ensure that the employee is aware that
the absence record is giving cause for concern.
• Advise the employee to seek medical attention if there is an underlying medical problem. The
company can request a medical report, if appropriate.

• Inform the employee that the persistent short-term absences are unacceptable and put
continued employment at risk.

• Give due consideration to the employee's personal problems within reason

• Agree a reasonable time period over which the employee's attendance can be assessed,

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