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Pam Brant
Member - 8 posts
I have an employee who has been with the company for over 4 years. He has been off sick for a number of weeks, he has not produced a doctors certificate. Can I stop his sick pay until he submits a doctors certificate?
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Helen Abbott
Member - 31 posts
Hello Blossom,
Yes, you may withhold sick pay if your employee is failing to submit medical certificates. It is advisable to write to him and point out that you are planning to do this. Ask for backdated medical certificates to cover the complete period of his absence.
Incidentally, have you considered inviting him in for a discussion about his progress whilst on sick leave, with a view to returning to work? It is surprising how many employees become resentful and feel ?abandoned? whilst on long term sick leave. This makes it difficult to return to work and may extend the period of absence.
Regular contact is good practice and encourages the employee to return to work. As a rough rule of thumb, I suggest contact at 3 weeks, 8 weeks, 26 weeks and 52 weeks is appropriate.
Do you have an absence policy which provides adequate guidance relating to longer term absence? If not, Workplace Law can supply this together with absence management training for your management team. Please contact me for further details.
I hope this is helpful
Kind regards,
Helen Abbott Chartered MCIPD
HR Consultant
Workplace Law
Tel 0870 777 8881
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