Self certification

Many employers now use their own self-certification system for short term sickness absences. As doctors no longer issue certificates (unless paid for) for absences shorter than 8 days, a company self-certification system can be an effective method of controlling absence due to sickness. It also assists in the maintenance of accurate sickness records which all employers are required to keep for Statutory Sick Pay purposes. The following represents a model procedure:

These rules apply to employees who are absent from work due to personal sickness or injury. The existing company rules will continue to apply to all absences for other reasons, e.g. for family or personal reasons.

If you are unable to report for work you should telephone or send a message to your supervisor if possible before 10.00am on the first day of absence. You should give brief details of your illness or injury and indicate the probable duration of your absence from work.

In the case of absence lasting 7 days or less (including weekends and public holidays) you should obtain a company self-certification form from your supervisor or manager immediately on your return to work. The form must be completed and signed in the presence of your supervisor or manager who you should ask to countersign it.

All sickness absences in excess of 7 consecutive days are to be covered by doctors' medical certificates which must be forwarded to the company without delay.

The company may require you to undergo examination by a qualified medical practitioner in cases of lengthy or frequent absences.

If you are eligible for sick pay under the company's own scheme, payments made for self-certified absences will be set against your annual sick pay entitlement.

The company may wish to approach your doctor for a medical report, but will always obtain your written consent prior to contacting your doctor.

If you are absent due to sickness at a time when you would otherwise be on holiday leave agreed with the company or in accordance with custom and practice (e.g. public holidays) you will receive any holiday pay due to you for that period. There will be no entitlement to sick pay or to take holiday at another time. The company will waive this rule only in the most exceptional circumstances and at its absolute discretion.

Sick pay may be withheld where there is suspected abuse of the self-certification system.

To appeal against any decision of the company to withhold sick pay, or to take disciplinary action under these rules, you should raise the matter under the company's grievance procedure.

The company retains the right to change or amend these rules by giving reasonable notice of such changes and amendments to employees covered by them.