Managing Absenteeism

Course Code: 3937

Absence from work cost the UK economy 13.2 billion in 2007 (CBI AXA Survey). This represents 172 million day 1 in 10 of which are thought to be non genuine. In addition, although only 5% of sickness spells lead to long term absence, this represents 40% of all the time lost.

Whilst a level of sickness is both acceptable and inevitable, absence management can be improved. There are considered to be two main challenges for business: dealing with bogus sick days; helping those with long term illness return to work.

ACAS -only half of UK employers monitor the cost of absence and set targets for reduction.

Objectives of the Course:

This course will enable delegates to reflect on absence management practices in their own workplace and identify key issues for improvement. They will explore the elements of managing absence and apply these to cases of unauthorised absence and long term sickness absence.

• State why people are absent from work
• Reflect on the impact of absence to the employer and how absence is dealt with in their own workplace
• Outline the general patterns of sickness absence
• Consider the effective management of absence
• Discuss the development of an absence policy with the support and commitment of staff
• Discuss how to deal with either a case of unauthorised absence and a case of long term sickness absence

Course Content:

Session 1 -Reflect on practices in own workplace, the impact, patterns and legal framework

Session 2 - Managing absence: measurement, keeping in contact, the Fit Note

Session 3 - Managing absence: return to work interview, absence policy

Session 4 - Application of effective management to a case of bogus absence and a case of long term sickness absence

Course Starting: Thursday 28 Jun 2012 - Part Time - Tonbridge

Course Starting: Tuesday 09 Oct 2012 - Part Time - Ashford