Managing staff sickness and absence is one of the most challenging tasks that employers face. If a qualifying employee has been off work for four or more days in a row, employers must pay statutory sick pay at a rate set by the government for up to 28 weeks' qualifying absence. Employers can also offer enhanced sick pay. Employers often set out in an employment contract or sickness policy the period of time that employees will receive enhanced pay, how many absences in a year will trigger a meeting with a superior to discuss sick leave and what time an employee must tell a superior they are taking the day off sick. Create a Sickness policy to incorporate into your business to let employees know what your policy is. For further information, read Sick pay.