If there's no valid reason
An employer might find that an employee is off work or late for work with no valid reason.
The employer should follow their policy on how to handle this, if they have one.
They should try to handle the situation informally, if it's appropriate. This can help stop unauthorised absences or lateness in the future.
Employers should speak with their employee to:
- check if there's a reason for the absence or lateness that they can support them with
- make sure they know the policy for unauthorised absence and lateness, if there is one
If the absence is a disciplinary issue
An employer might treat the absence or lateness as a disciplinary issue, for example if:
- the absence or lateness has serious consequences
- the employee is repeatedly late or absent without a valid reason and they're making no attempts to improve their behaviour
Employers should:
- follow their policy on dealing with unauthorised absence and lateness, if they have one
- follow a fair disciplinary procedure
Follow our disciplinary procedure step by step
Dismissal for unauthorised absence
An employer might decide to dismiss an employee for unauthorised absence or lateness.
Dismissal should always be a last resort. Before making this decision, an employer should follow a fair disciplinary procedure.
Contact the Acas helpline
Contact the Acas helpline for more advice if you're:
- an employer considering dismissing an employee for unauthorised absence or lateness
- an employee being dismissed for unauthorised absence or lateness