Sickness absence management: UK employment law

Essential points

• Employers should distinguish between different forms of sickness absence.
• Authorised short-term absences may include attending medical appointments and sickness absence. 
• Employers should investigate the cause of unauthorised absences and respond appropriately. 
• Authorised absences should be managed in accordance with an organisation's policies on sickness absence. 

The Labour government has proposed several changes to statutory sick pay including making it payable from day one of sickness (rather than day four) and making it a day-one right.

This page outlines the current legislation around sick pay that should still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once details of any changes are confirmed.