Page 15 - Employee Handbook June 2020

2.13.1 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
your MANAGER by phone- ( texts, emails, WhatsApp messages etc are unacceptable)

• Within 15 minutes 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 your MANAGER; 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 your MANAGER
rather than a friend/girlfriend/boyfriend/parent etc.
2.13.2 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. If you arrive for work more than one hour late without
having previously notified us, other arrangements may have been made to cover your duties and you
may be sent off the premises for the remainder of the shift/day without pay.

2.13.3 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.

2.13.4 Sickness Whilst at Work
If you fall ill at work, you should get authorisation from your MANAGER to leave work.

2.13.5 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 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.

In the case of long-term illness, you will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you
are now fit to resume normal duties without restriction and to attend a back to work interview.

2.13.6 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 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.

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