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

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 …

Guides – How to

How to manage bank holidays

Managing bank holidays requires clear contractual provisions and consistent policies, particularly where employees work irregular hours or different …

Commentary and Insights

Why some employers must provide extra holiday in 2024

As a result of how the Easter bank holidays fall in 2024 and 2025, some employers will breach …

Commentary and Insights

Carer’s Leave Act: Six things HR needs to know

The new statutory right to carer's leave, created by the Carer's Leave Act, is due to come into …

Guides – How to

Supporting pregnant employees and new mothers: Maternity policies and enhanced benefits

This guide explores how employers can support pregnant employees and new mothers, including developing maternity policies, providing enhanced …

Commentary and Insights

Guide: Holiday pay and entitlement reforms from 1 January 2024

This guide to the holiday pay and entitlement reforms from 1 January 2024 reviews the key changes HR …

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