Page 24 - Thomas Franks Handbook

5. ABSENCE FROM WORK
5.4 Vomiting, Diarrhoea or Discharges
If you are ill and your symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, discharges from the eyes, ears or nose, or a skin infection, you must obtain medical clearance before you return to work and be free of symptoms for 48 hours. You have a duty of care not to expose others to these symptoms. If you are in any doubt please discuss your symptoms with your line manager in the first instance. It is normal company procedure in such circumstances to ask you to attend your GP on the first day of sickness and where necessesary, to provide a specimin for analysis.
5.5 Short Absences
For absences of less than seven consecutive days, you should complete a Self Certification of Absence form on your return. For absences of seven days or more, a statement of fitness for work (fit note) must also be provided to your line manager before any pay will be authorised. Back dated fit notes are not acceptable and will require further investigation. In most cases back dated medical certificates of any type will not be considered suitable evidence of illness. In such circumstances, any absence will, be treated as unauthorised.
5.6 Repeated Short Absences
Repeated or regular absence for any reason, put unacceptable pressure on your colleagues. If absences exceed 10 days or 3 separate instances within a 3 month period any such absence will be investigated and a formal procedure will be launched. This may invoke a formal disciplinary action if the absence is seen to put unacceptable strain on colleagues or is considered unreasonable or excessive under the circumstances.
5.7 Returning to Work
To assist your line manager with arranging cover and as a considerate member of the team, please ensure that you confirm your return with your line manager, at the latest, on the day before you intend to return to work. For all periods of lateness and absence, you will also be asked to attend a confidential return to work interview. This is to ensure that the appropriate procedures have been followed and that your return is as smooth as possible.
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