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Absence management

Managing absence effectively is a core part of fair, consistent people management. Employers must balance operational needs with employee rights, while complying with statutory requirements around sickness absence, family‑related leave and time off.

 

This page brings together Brightmine® UK guidance, tools and resources on absence management, covering both planned and unplanned absence. The content is designed to help HR teams understand their legal obligations, apply absence procedures fairly, and respond appropriately when absence becomes a concern.

 

Clear processes, accurate records and consistent decision‑making are essential when managing absence. Getting this wrong can expose organisations to legal risk, employee relations issues and wider workforce disruption.

Browse our full library of absence management resources
Tools & templates

Ordinary parental leave policy

Get our model parental leave policy with guidance on eligibility, employee rights, and managing leave requests.
Tools & templates

Paternity leave policy (expected week of childbirth before 5 April 2026 and birth before 6 April 2026)

This model policy sets out employees’ rights to paternity leave and pay under the rules applying where the …
Tools & templates

Shared parental leave policy (birth)

A model shared parental leave policy setting out employees’ rights to shared parental leave and pay following the …
Tools & templates

Short-term sickness absence policy

This model policy sets out an organisation’s approach to managing short‑term sickness absence, including reporting requirements, monitoring absence …
Tools & templates

Letter confirming outcome of stage 1 short-term sickness absence meeting

A stage 1 short‑term sickness absence meeting helps employers address attendance concerns early and set clear expectations going …
Tools & templates

Time off for dependants policy

This model policy sets out employees’ right to take time off work to deal with emergencies involving dependants, …
Commentary and Insights

How to manage sickness absence

Effective absence management goes beyond return-to-work meetings. Explore practical strategies, from wellbeing support to absence triggers, and learn …
Guides – How to

Managing long-term sickness absence: The importance of effective policies and practices

This guide explores the importance of effective policies and practices for managing long‑term sickness absence, including defining absence, …
Tools & templates

Supporting bereaved employees policy

Get our model bereavement policy to help support bereaved employees with leave, workplace flexibility, and consistent, compassionate management.

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