All employers require a formal policy for managing sickness.
In the absence of such a policy, employees can receive unequal treatment as Heads of Departments and other managers make their own interpretation of what is reasonable. This can lead to precedents which are to the detriment of fair and reasonable treatment of employees at a time when they are most vulnerable. The University has a responsibility to ensure that staff who are ill take sufficient sick leave and do not jeopardise their health by attempting to fulfil their duties when not fit to do so. The University policy for managing sickness is contained within the Sick Pay Scheme detailed later in this booklet. The member of staff should inform the Department immediately.