Absence meeting explained

There are two types of meeting that will take place if you are absent. These are:-

Return to Work (RtW)

These must take place for all absences, but the content and nature of the discussions may vary depending on the reason and duration of your absence. A return to work form must also be completed by your manager before and during the discussion.

Content of the return to work discussion

The Return to Work discussions will take into account:-

• The length of your absence;
• What’s happened in the office during your period of absence;
• Does the absence relate to a disability?;
• Are any adjustments required / identified on the Fit Note / Occupational Health Report?;
• Is a referral to Occupational Health appropriate at this stage?

If there is a pattern of absence, or triggers have been hit, your manager will arrange for an Attendance Support Meeting to take place.

If no issues or concerns are identified, no further action is required at this point.

Return to Work – Long Term Sickness Absence

Your manager should plan for your return to work at an early stage, as it is likely there will be a number of issues that will need to be addressed in relation to the absence to get you back to work.

A return to work discussion should be held and documentation completed in the usual way. It is likely that your manager will also need to regularly review the return to work to ensure that it is progressing as expected, or to address any unforeseen issues or problems which have arisen.

Attendance Support Meeting (ASM)

This will normally be held where a more formal discussion about your absence or attendance level needs to take place. Generally an ASM will take place on your third and subsequent absences within a 12 month rolling period; or if patterns of absence are identified, not necessarily within the 12 month rolling period.

ASM’s will also take place during a period of long term absence. ASM’s are a two way process and are used to consider:-

• Reasons for absence(s) and how improvement can be managed;
• Patterns of absence and the reasons for this
• Relevant supports and/or adjustments;
• How a successful return to work could be arranged such as returning to a different working pattern, phased return or alternatively another job;
• Any improvements required and a review period;
• What happens next, for example, medical referral, incapacity or conduct considerations.

You are entitled to be accompanied at these meetings by a companion (Trade union representative, colleague, friend or relative) however, they cannot participate on your behalf.

For more information on the different types of ASM, click on the Attendance support meetings explained section on the right hand side.