Do you know what to do when a fit note doesn’t arrive from you employee?
At Metis HR we get asked this question a lot! Read our latest blog to discover the do’s and dont’s when it comes to fit notes. If you have an employee who hasn’t provided a fit note, contact Metis HR on 01706 565 332 for advice. We offer a FREE initial consultaion.
“We have an employee off sick who has not sent in a fit note. The fit note expired last week. We haven’t heard from them since, can we write to them inviting them for a disciplinary due to failure to contact the office?”
The answer to this is yes!
But dealing with an employee who is off sick and has not provided a fit note can be a tricky situation for employers. While disciplinary action may seem like the immediate solution, there are more practical steps you can take to address the issue effectively.
Contact the Employee:
Before jumping to disciplinary measures, the first step should always be to contact the absent employee. Contrary to urban myths, you can contact employees who are on sick leave. A simple phone call can prevent unnecessary complications and distress for both parties involved.
The Consequences of Disciplinary Action:
Formal disciplinary procedures can be time-consuming and potentially harm the employer-employee relationship. Avoiding this route whenever possible is not only good for employee morale but also for your business. The absence may be due to simple reasons such as a lost or delayed fit note, or it could be something more serious, like a medical emergency or a misunderstanding of the reporting system.
Taking the Right Steps:
If a fit note is not provided, it’s essential to take appropriate action. Ignoring the situation can set a precedent for future absenteeism issues.
Here are some steps to consider:
- Check your company’s policies and the employee’s contract to ensure both parties understand the reporting requirements.
- If the employee has not been provided with the necessary information, send a reminder explaining the importance of submitting a fit note and the implications of not doing so.
- Give the employee a reasonable deadline for submitting the fit note. Highlight that statutory sick pay depends on proper documentation.
- If this is not the employee’s first instance of non-compliance, consider initiating a formal disciplinary process. Ensure you follow your company’s disciplinary policy when inviting the employee to a hearing.
Dealing with an employee who is off sick without providing a fit note doesn’t always warrant immediate disciplinary action. Taking a more proactive approach can help resolve the situation more amicably and avoid potential damage to the employer-employee relationship.
If you’re facing challenges with absenteeism or need support on HR matters, Metis HR is here to help. Contact us for a FREE confidential, no-obligation consultation. Call us on 01706 565 332 or email admin@metishr.co.uk. We’re committed to supporting you in managing HR issues effectively.
