Page 14 - ORC Employee Handbook Jan19

2.12 ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM
Maintaining our reputation for a quality service depends upon your punctual and full attendance at
work. The importance the Company places on full attendance and punctuality is reflected in the fact
that these are important criteria for consideration at salary and performance reviews and internal
promotions or transfers. Failure to comply with the absence procedure will be dealt with under the
disciplinary procedure.

2.12.1 Absence from Work – Notification Requirements on the Day
If you are unable to attend work, for whatever reason (apart from approved leave), you must contact
a Company Director;

• within an hour of your start time on your first day of absence to explain the circumstances.
You must provide sufficient details about the nature of your illness and, if possible, you should
indicate how long your absence is likely to last.

You personally, must make every effort to speak with a Company Director; only in very exceptional
circumstances should you either-

• leave a message with anyone else, as leaving a message with another colleague is not acceptable.

• Have anyone else call in on your behalf. You personally need to make contact with a Company
Director rather than a friend/girlfriend/boyfriend/mother etc.

Please note that if you are absent for more than 3 days the Social Welfare entitlements for the period
that you are absent will be deducted from your salary at the next and subsequent payrolls.

2.12.2 Punctuality
You are expected to be at your workstation at your agreed start time. If you arrive late, you must
report to a Company Director before starting work.

2.12.3 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 a Company Director 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.

2.12.4 Sickness Whilst at Work
If you fall ill at work, you should get authorisation from a Company Director to leave work.

2.12.5 Absence due to Sickness
In the case of absence due to sickness, you must also advise a Company Director 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 certificate
stating 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.

2.12.6 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 a Company Director 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.

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