1. Purpose

At Lift Recruitment, we understand that employees may occasionally be unable to attend work due to illness or injury. This policy explains what you need to do if you are unwell and unable to work, your responsibilities during your absence, and how the Company will support you throughout your sickness.

Following this procedure helps us support you appropriately whilst ensuring we can continue to provide an excellent service to our clients.

2. Reporting Your Sickness Absence

If you are unable to attend work because of sickness or injury, you must notify Lift Recruitment as soon as possible.

You must:

• Telephone your Line Manager or a Director personally.
• Contact us before 8:30am on your first day of absence, or at least one hour before your normal start time if you work different hours.
• Speak directly to your manager wherever possible.

If you are medically unable to telephone yourself, someone may contact us on your behalf.

The following methods are not acceptable unless specifically agreed:

• Text message
• WhatsApp
• Email
• Social media messages

3. Information You Need to Provide

When reporting your absence, please tell us:

• Why you are unable to attend work.
• When your symptoms started.
• How long you expect to be absent.
• Whether you have any appointments arranged with a GP or other healthcare professional.
• Whether there is anything urgent we need to know regarding your work.

You do not need to provide detailed medical information beyond what is reasonably necessary.

4. Keeping in Contact

While you are absent, it is important that we stay in touch.

Unless your manager agrees otherwise, you should contact your Line Manager or Director each day to provide an update on your condition and expected return date.

If your absence becomes long-term, we will agree a suitable level of contact with you.

5. Medical Evidence

Absence of 1–7 calendar days

You do not need a Fit Note.

However, you must complete a Self-Certification Form when you return to work.

Absence of 8 calendar days or more

You must provide a valid Fit Note from your GP or other authorised healthcare professional.

If your Fit Note expires and you remain absent, you must provide an updated certificate without delay.

6. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

Lift Recruitment does not operate a Company Sick Pay Scheme.

Eligible employees may receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in accordance with current legislation.

Payment of SSP is subject to meeting the qualifying conditions and following this sickness reporting procedure.

7. During Your Absence

While absent from work you should:

• Focus on your recovery.
• Keep the Company updated.
• Attend any medical appointments where appropriate.
• Provide any requested medical certificates promptly.

You should not undertake any work, whether paid or unpaid, that is inconsistent with the reason for your sickness absence.

8. Returning to Work

When you return to work, you will normally have a short Return to Work Meeting with your Line Manager or a Director.

The meeting is intended to:

• Welcome you back.
• Confirm you are fit to return.
• Discuss whether any support is needed.
• Complete any required paperwork.
• Update you on anything you have missed.

These meetings form part of our normal absence management process and are conducted for every sickness absence, regardless of length.

9. Attendance Monitoring

Lift Recruitment monitors attendance levels across the business to ensure absence is managed fairly and consistently.

Where a pattern of absence is identified, we may invite you to discuss your attendance.

Examples include:

• Frequent short-term absences.
• Repeated absences on particular days.
• Absences before or after weekends.
• Absences around annual leave or bank holidays.
• High overall levels of sickness absence.

Having a review meeting does not automatically mean disciplinary action will be taken. Every situation will be considered individually.

10. Long-Term Sickness

Where an employee is absent for an extended period, Lift Recruitment will maintain appropriate contact and may:

• Request updated medical information.
• Seek consent to obtain a medical report.
• Arrange an Occupational Health referral where appropriate.
• Discuss reasonable workplace adjustments.
• Develop a phased return to work plan where suitable.

Our aim is always to support employees in returning to work safely where possible.

11. Failure to Follow This Policy

Failure to follow this procedure may result in:

• Your absence being treated as unauthorised.
• Delays in SSP processing where permitted by law.
• Disciplinary action where appropriate.

If exceptional circumstances prevent you from following the reporting procedure, these will always be considered before any decision is made.

12. Confidentiality

All information relating to sickness absence and health will be treated confidentially and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

Only those who need access to this information for legitimate business reasons will be able to view it.

13. Questions

If you have any questions about this policy or your responsibilities while absent from work, please speak to your Line Manager or a Director.

Our Commitment

Lift Recruitment is committed to supporting employees through periods of genuine illness whilst ensuring the business can continue to operate effectively for our clients and colleagues.

We ask all employees to follow this policy honestly, communicate openly and work with us to ensure sickness absence is managed fairly, consistently and professionally.