Absence can have a big impact on a business, particularly a small business, if it is overlooked or poorly managed. By putting the right tools in place, you will be able to manage leave effectively.
Firstly, it is important for an employer to be aware of the many different types of leave that are available to an employee, The most common types of leave are as follows:
Sick leave
Sick leave is a period of absence from work due to ill health. Sickness absences are unplanned and can be difficult for employers to arrange cover at short notice. If the sick leave exceeds 7 days, then the employee is required to provide a fit note issued by their doctor.
Annual Leave
Annual leave, whether the employee is part-time or full-time, they are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks paid annual leave. It is at the discretion of the employer as to whether or not they want to include bank holidays as part of statutory annual leave.
Maternity, Paternity & Parental Leave
Maternity, Paternity & Parental leave. Pregnant employees are entitled to up to one year’s maternity leave. Paternity leave is available if the employee meets the set criteria. Parents are entitled to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave for each child up to their 18th birthday.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is when an employee takes time away from work to adopt a child. They may also be eligible for Statutory Adoption Leave if they have a child through a surrogacy arrangement.
Bereavement Leave
The employee’s relationship to the deceased will determine the amount of bereavement leave entitlement, and is at the discretion of the employer.
Depending on the employer, other types of leave are available and can include:
· Career break
· Carer’s leave
· Compassionate leave
· Jury service
· Leave for a medical appointment
· Study leave
· Time off in lieu (TOIL)
· Training
· Unauthorised absence
It is important for employers to have an understanding of these different types of leave so that they can effectively manage leave within their business. In next weeks blog, my colleague Carrie Wilson will delve deeper into Annual Leave including notice periods, restrictions and everything else you need to know to manage holidays effectively.
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- Lisa Bloodworth, People & Safety Consultant
