Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Sickness absence definition

What does Sickness absence mean? Sickness absence describes any period when an employee does not attend work because of illness or injury. The expression is used in employment contracts, policies and tribunal practice; it is not given a single statutory definition, but the legal framework regulates pay, evidence and management. In England & Wales and Scotland, employees may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and any contractual (occupational) sick pay; self-certification normally covers the first 7 calendar days, followed by a fit note. Employers must manage short- and long-term sickness absence fairly, consider reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, obtain medical evidence (including occupational health),...

Template dismissal letter on notice for persistent intermittent short‑term sickness absence following final written warning under capability procedure; includes appeal rights, notice/PILON and holiday pay

Published by a LexisNexis Employment expert

Precedents

[ To be printed on the employer's headed paper ]

[ Date ]

Dear [ insert name of Employee ],

Re: [ insert name of employer ] (the Company)

I am writing to [ inform you of OR confirm ] the Company’s decision reached following the capability meeting on [ insert date ] [ , where you were accompanied by [ insert name ], ].

Our letter dated [ insert date of final written warning ] advised that you had received a final written warning in line with the Company's [ Performance and capability procedure ].

That correspondence cautioned that you may face Dismissal if the expected improvement in attendance was not achieved, namely:

[ set out required improvement and timescale as set out in final written warning ]

[ In light of information you provided at the capability meeting, we have disregarded the absence [ s ] on [ insert date(s) ] which were due to [ insert reasons for absence, eg holiday, parental leave, time off to deal with an emergency ]. ]...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...