Alternative absence policy
Our Alternative Absence Policy Template streamlines managing non-holiday/sickness absences, fostering fairness and reducing disruptions.
10 mins
817
What is an Alternative absence policy?
This policy is a set of guidelines and procedures to manage employee absences from work for reasons other than sickness and holiday. The policy may cover different types of absence, such as compassionate leave, and other types of leave.
The policy outlines how employees should request and book time off, how much time off they are entitled to, and any documentation or evidence required to support their request. The policy may also include details on how leave is calculated and how it affects an employee's pay and benefits.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that employees are aware of their entitlements and obligations regarding time off work, and to provide a consistent and fair approach to managing absence across the organisation. By having a clear policy in place, employers can manage staffing levels, plan for any necessary cover or arrangements during an employee's absence, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
During onboarding / after changes / planned refresher
Internally issued to appropriate recipients in your Company
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide
What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?
-
Equality Act 2010: Employers must ensure that their absence policy does not discriminate against any protected characteristic, such as age, gender, disability, race, religion, etc.
-
Employment Rights Act 1996: This act outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and employees, including the right to request time off for certain purposes, such as family emergencies or public duties.
-
Working Time Regulations 1998: Employers must ensure compliance with maximum working hours, rest breaks, and rest periods to prevent excessive absences due to overworking.
-
Parental Leave Regulations 2013: This legislation provides eligible employees with the right to take unpaid parental leave to care for their child.
-
Time off for Dependants: Employees have the right to take a reasonable amount of time off to deal with unexpected or emergency situations involving dependents (e.g., family members).
-
Flexible Working Regulations 2014: Employers must consider requests for flexible working arrangements from eligible employees, which may help manage attendance issues.
-
Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992: Employers must be aware of employees' rights to time off for trade union activities or duties as representatives.
-
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents leading to absences.
-
Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (now part of Equality Act 2010): Employers must make reasonable adjustments to support disabled employees, potentially reducing disability-related absences.
-
Statutory Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay and Leave: Employers must provide statutory pay and leave entitlements for expectant or adoptive parents, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Other territories
Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.