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.

  • Managing sickness absence: Tools HR professionals rely on

    Featured resource


    Managing sickness absence: Tools HR professionals rely on

    Managing sickness absence relies on more than return‑to‑work meetings alone. Drawing on insights from HR professionals, this article explores the practical tools organisations use to manage absence effectively, including informal conversations, wellbeing initiatives, occupational health support and absence triggers, and why consistency alongside flexibility is key.

Browse our full library of absence management resources

HR News

Statutory maternity, paternity and sick pay confirmed for 2025

The 2025-26 rates for statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and sick pay have been published by the …

HR News

More than a fifth take injury leave without pay

More than a fifth of people who had to take leave due to an injury last year were …

Tools & templates

Sickness absence self-certification form

Support compliance and consistency in absence management using our Sickness absence self‑certification form. Editable and simple to complete.

Guides – How to

How to deal with keeping-in-touch days during maternity leave

A guide explaining how keeping‑in‑touch (KIT) days work during maternity leave, including limits, pay arrangements and employee protections.

Checklists

Checklist for holding stage 1 long-term sickness absence meeting

A model checklist for holding a stage 1 long‑term sickness absence meeting, setting out the key steps to …

Commentary and Insights

Paternity leave and pay: How the UK measures up globally

Not all fathers enjoy the same paternity leave and pay entitlements. In fact, some countries do not provide …

Tools & templates

Letter inviting employee to stage 1 long-term sickness absence meeting

Use this model letter to invite an employee to a stage 1 long‑term sickness absence meeting, with guidance …

Tools & templates

Letter to employee’s doctor or consultant requesting medical report

A model letter for requesting a medical report from an employee’s own doctor or consultant in cases of …

Tools & templates

Letter informing employee that sickness absence is unauthorised

Use this model letter to inform an employee that sickness absence without the required medical evidence is being …

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