Take time off for sickness
2.Take time off for sickness
If you're too ill to work, call your manager or another designated manager by your usual start time. Inform them why you're absent, how long you expect to be off, any actions taken (e.g., GP appointment), and details of urgent tasks that needs to be picked up during your absence.
Contact should be made via phone or MS Teams call only. Texts, emails, social media messages, and third-party notifications are not acceptable unless you are unable to make the call yourself, for example, if hospitalised.
Stress or stress-related mental health issues
If your absence is due to stress or a related mental health issue, it’s very important that you contact your manager as soon as possible. This allows them to refer you to occupational health for support and adjustments. A stress risk assessment will be arranged when you are well enough and, if applicable, before returning to work.
Evidence of sickness absence
If you are absent for 7 calendar days or less, self-certify your absence by informing your manager and signing a self-certification form as part of your return-to-work interview.
For absences longer than 7 calendar days, provide your manager with a fit note as soon as possible. Fit notes should run concurrently to cover the entire period of absence beyond 7 days. The fit note may indicate you "may be fit for work" or "not fit for work" and can include recommendations like phased return, altered hours, or amended duties. Your manager will seriously consider these suggestions in discussion with you and Human Resources.