Sick leave guide

3. Record a sickness absence and return to work

Your manager will ensure that any sickness absence is recorded in the council’s electronic pay system (Unit4). Upon your return to work, the absence record must be updated accordingly. Additionally, details of any fit notes received must be entered into the system.

Absence forms user guide (MS Powerpoint, 512KB)

If the absence relates to an accident or incident at work

If the absence relates to an accident or incident that occurred during the course of your work, it must also be recorded using the council’s electronic accident reporting system (PRIME) and within four days of it occurring.

Return to work interview

After sick leave, your line manager will arrange to meet with you to conduct a return-to-work interview, usually within 2 days of your return to work, to discuss the reason for your absence and whether you need any support. This may be in-person or via MS Teams. Your manager may also take this opportunity to review your absence record and inform you about any concerns.

Further details regarding the return-to-work interview can be found in the Return-to-Work Interview Form (MS Word, 100KB). This form also contains a section for self-certification, which must be completed to declare that you were unfit for work. 

• Checklist for Holding a Sickness Absence Return-to-Work (RTW) Interview (MS Word, 57KB) 
• Returning to work guidance