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.

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

    Featured resource


    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 forward. This guide explains how to use a letter confirming the outcome of the meeting to summarise discussions, actions agreed and next steps.

Browse our full library of absence management resources

Tools & templates

Example SMP1 form

Access a professionally developed example SMP1 Form to support your Statutory maternity pay process.

Tools & templates

Form to record that employee is taking parental bereavement leave

Parental bereavement leave allows employees to take time off following the death of a child, and employers must …

Tools & templates

Compassionate leave policy

This policy sets out employees’ rights to compassionate leave and explains how requests for time off following bereavement …

Tools & templates

Parental bereavement leave policy

A model policy setting out employees’ entitlement to parental bereavement leave and pay, including eligibility and how requests …

Employment law guide

Shared parental pay

A guide to statutory shared parental pay, explaining eligibility, rates, notice requirements and employer obligations for birth and …

Commentary and Insights

Employment Rights Bill essentials: Statutory sick pay eligibility

In the latest part of our series exploring the detail of the Employment Rights Bill, we look at the …

Whitepapers

October’s top employment law FAQs

Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as an employer. Check out our 10 frequently asked employment law …

Guides – How to

Managing Pregnancy and Maternity Rights for Employees on Fixed‑Term Contracts

Understand employer obligations for pregnant fixed‑term employees, from avoiding discrimination to providing statutory maternity leave, pay entitlements, and …

Guides – How to

Managing long-term sickness absence: Contacting the employee and obtaining medical evidence/information

This guide explores how to manage long‑term sickness absence, including maintaining contact with employees and obtaining medical evidence …

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