Masterclasses - Employment Law
Managing Absence
Overview
The cost of absence in financial terms includes sick pay, along with resulting overtime and temporary cover costs, as well as lost service or production time. High absence rates also lead to reduced morale and dissatisfaction among those who are trying to cover for their absent colleagues. This could in turn lead to further absence among those who had been covering, thereby creating a vicious circle!
As absence increases, the chances of return to work are said to decrease. According to the government, research has shown that after 6 months off work there is a 50% chance of returning to work; after 12 months off work there is a 25% chance of return and after 2 years off the chance of return is practically nil. The aim of a good absence management policy should be to avoid absence reaching these levels in the first place, but, if they do, help find suitable ways of getting the person back into the workplace.
This session will help delegates to manage both long and short-term absence, understand the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, and deal with managing stress at work.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates will have the knowledge to enable them to:
· understand the “carrot and stick” approach to absence management;
· differentiate between short-term sickness, short-term persistent sickness and absenteeism, and understand the differences in management approach to such absences;
· effectively manage long-term absence;
· understand the principles in the Disability Discrimination Act, in particular identifying when an employee might be considered disabled;
· identify the types of “reasonable adjustments” which could be made to assist disabled employees;
· understand employers’ health and safety duties to employees in the context of stress at work;
· identify the causes of workplace stress;
· effectively manage stress related absence;
· carry out a risk assessment; and
· review and update their organisation’s absence management policy.
Who is it for?
The course is suitable for all those with responsibility for:
· managing staff absence, e.g. HR professionals, line mangers, and senior managers;
· reviewing and updating absence management policies and practices;
· training individuals to manage absence.
The course is designed to appeal to organisations of all sizes, whether in the private or public sectors.
Approach and Duration
The course will cover both legal issues and practical tips and will be delivered by Giles Woolfson, a senior solicitor with Maclay Murray & Spens LLP.
Comprising two interactive sessions of approximately 45 minutes, and two break-out sessions, the course will run from 9.30am – 12.30pm. The first break-out session will help to highlight key absence management issues, while the second will involve consideration of at least one case study designed to put the knowledge gained during the morning to practical use, reinforcing learning.
Who will deliver the course?
The course will be delivered by Giles Woolfson, a senior solicitor specialising in employment law with Maclay Murray & Spens LLP. He both advises and provides training for employer clients on a wide range of HR management issues, including disciplinary problems, capability matters and absence management. He has a particular interest in disability discrimination. Giles also advises individuals on a wide range of issues including negotiating the terms of service contracts and severance packages. He appears in the Employment Tribunal, although has an interest in mediation in the knowledge that parties' interests are often better served if litigation can be avoided. Giles also assists with corporate transactions which involves advising on the employment aspects of business reorganisations, mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing, including advice on redundancies and the implications of TUPE. He also drafts terms of business for employment agencies and employment businesses and advises on their statutory obligations.
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Cost
£100 + VAT
Block bookings will attract a discount. Please contact us for further information
Date
22 March 2007
Contact
To book a place or for further information, please contact Diane Thomson
t: 01383 559000
f: 01383 559001
e:
masterclasses@theblcc.co.uk
Masterclasses Training Schedule