Managing absence and returning to work | Acas

Employers should support workers when they're off work or returning to work. Absence policies can make clear what's expected of employers and workers.

Advice

Keeping in touch during absence

How employers and workers should stay in contact. What employers must tell workers who are off.

Returning to work after absence

How to support a worker who is returning to work. Return to work meetings. Phased returns.

Disruption getting to work

What to do when travel problems make it difficult to get to work. Extreme weather. Pay. Planning.

Unauthorised absence and lateness

What happens when a worker is late or off work without permission. Pay. Policies.

Creating absence policies

What an employer should include in absence policies.

Absence trigger points

What trigger or review points are. How employers can use them to manage absence.

Template

Return to work meeting template

Structuring and recording a return to work meeting with a worker.

Email address

Please tell us why the information did not help

Select the statement you most agree with:

I do not understand the information

I cannot find the information I'm looking for

I cannot work out what to do next

Other

Tell us more about your answer

Please do not include any personal information, for example email address or phone number. Unfortunately we cannot respond to individual requests for information. If you need help, contact our helpline on 0300 123 1100