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

Podcasts

Neonatal care leave – a practical guide

Stay ahead of new neonatal care leave legislation with insights on employer obligations and forthcoming Employment Rights Bill …

Commentary and Insights

April 2025 employment law changes: Five-point checklist for HR

April 2025 employment law changes are on the horizon. In this resource, we cover the key changes for …

Podcasts

Tribunal round-up: Disability-related absence

Explore three key tribunal cases on disability‑related absence and learn why employers lost discrimination claims in this Brightmine …

Guides – How to

Managing long-term sickness absence: Return to work and alternative outcomes

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

Tools & templates

Sickness absence record

Keeping accurate sickness absence records helps employers monitor attendance, manage absence consistently and support fair decision‑making. This guide …

Webinars

Webinar: Preparing for statutory neonatal care leave compliance

Brightmine editors Zeba and Stephen will guide you through how this new type of statutory leave will operate …

Blogs

Absence management: An HR manager’s guide

Keeping a grip on employee absence is crucial to long-term business growth. We look at absence management and …

Guides – How to

Guide: Creating a subsistence allowance scheme

Subsistence allowance schemes are a financial benefit designed to support employees with everyday living costs, such as meals …

Commentary and Insights

Statutory neonatal care leave: What HR needs to know

A new right for parents to take up to 12 weeks' neonatal care leave if their baby requires …

Sign up to receive expert HR insights from Brightmine

Join our community and stay updated with industry trends, expert insights, valuable resources, webinar invites… and much more.

Sign up now and receive regular updates straight to your inbox!

    LNRS Data Services Limited and its affiliates may contact you about relevant solutions, services, events and industry insights. You can opt-out via the unsubscribe link in the communications that you receive or by contacting us.