The Department of Health is considering extending the period
employees can ’self-certificate’ sickness absence from 
seven to fourteen days.The move is designed to take the pressure off GP surgeries as the swine flu epidemic progresses.

If approved – most likely in the autumn when the incidence of the pandemic is expected to increase – employees will need to fill in a self-certification form to cover any absence up to fourteen days (currently seven days). So until further notice, the seven days for self-certification still applies.

But there is concern the extension could provide an incentive for some people to take more time off than they need. So what can you do to stop this happening?

The main thing is to ensure staff understand your policy on sick leave reporting. As with any employment policy, the key is to make sure everyone knows what the policy is and the reason for it. Staff must also know the policy is applied fairly and consistently.

So how should your policy change to reflect self-certification?

A simple solution to deter employees from taking unnecessary or excessive leave might be a return to work interview for everyone returning from any period of absence.

The interview need not be overly formal or onerous. However, it should be done for everyone returning from sick leave, irrespective of whether or not they had swine flu. Held in private and handled in a sensitive and professional manner, the interview should:

• Welcome the employee back to work.
• Ensure they are fully fit to return to work.
• Identify the reason for the absence and confirm the length of absence.
• Identify and address any problem (work-related or otherwise) that may be causing or contributing to the absence.
• Investigate or identify any adjustments to the workplace, hours or duties that may reduce or eliminate future absences.
• Agree immediate priorities.
• Update the employee about developments.

By making this a routine event, everyone will be aware their absence has been noted. But as important, it will make it clear you care about the employee’s welfare and are glad to see they have returned to work.

If people feel valued they are more likely to return to work as they get better rather than taking the full 14 days.

See also our 10 Steps to Prepare for Swine Flu

Tags: absence policy, fit note, sickness absence
Posted by Elspeth Watt
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