What Is Counted As Unauthorised Absence From Work in Ireland and How to Avoid It

Unauthorised absence is more often than not the result of a failure to notify a sudden leave from work than the absence itself. It might be an illness, an unexpected loss or bereavement, or someone who has misplaced their phone and is now looking for it. Until your team knows your whereabouts, they have every reason to doubt you.

According to the telemedicine platform Get Sick Cert, which offers online sickness certificates in Ireland, unauthorised absences are broadly associated with miscommunication, which breeds distrust and undermines authority. The first step in avoiding unauthorised absences is to understand what constitutes a legitimate basis for taking leave. It applies to both employees and employers.

Irish Perceptions of Unauthorised Absence

If an employee is absent from work for four or more consecutive days due to sickness in Ireland, they may be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) or even contractual sick pay. Nevertheless, any claim for payment for being away from work will be authorised only when the employer has been notified of the cause of the absence. Normally, a deadline is specified in their work contract or, in any event, within 7 days.

While it is understandable that employees will not be aware of their condition in advance and that leave for such reasons must be unplanned, this does not change the fact that employees must tell the team in order to gain consent.

Failing to communicate appropriately or presenting fraudulent or forged medical certifications might be considered bigger offences to add to the unauthorised absence. These activities result in serious consequences, such as suspension or dismissal.

HR Teams' Best Practises for Handling Unauthorised Absences

The best practises for dealing with absenteeism must begin with a personalised approach to invoking business regulations. While strict and unbending decorum is essential, in some instances, it is extremely appropriate to take a more tolerant approach to treating delicate matters, particularly when physical and emotional well-being is at stake, as well as during bereavement or relationship problems.

While proper justification for absence disciplinary action is required, an effective absence policy should incorporate the following concepts.

• The reporting counsel for sudden absences?
• Decorum for submitting a medical cert for unwell to work
• Clarification for use of online sickness certificates
• Disciplinary action entitled to unauthorised absences
• The decorum of communication throughout the leave period
• Limitations of sick pay, including SSP
• Negotiations and counsel for returning to work

There is a growing popularity of digital sickness certificates in ireland, provided by platforms like Get Sick Cert. Such telehealth services have focused attention on the need to take mild ailments like fever, flu or work stress more seriously and take a break from work. But resting periods are sometimes impeded by the entire procedure of visiting a Physician in person. While workers often accept sick notes acquired through digital platforms, you should keep in mind that this is a novel method, and you should check with your HR manager or employer to see whether they would accept such a document.

Modern Workplace Policies and Flexible Working Methods

If you don't want to take extra time off or go through the effort of going through the negotiations and obtaining doctor’s notes, et al, it's worth discussing the prospects of working from home, which is still a considerate option for working people to take it easy while they are feeling under the weather.

After the COVID pandemic, the corporate landscape in Ireland has changed at large, where most companies, IT firms, and multinational corporations have promoted a flexible work culture, including working from home.

If you can work from home on sick days, your employer should not have a problem approving it. However, make sure you are frank with your employer and keep them updated on how you are doing, which is good conduct to maintain good relations.

Author

The author writes about modern workplace issues in Ireland and is associated with Get Sick Cert, a leading provider of online sickness certificates in Ireland. Read other articles on similar topics, such as unauthorised absences, sick leaves and medical certs, to broaden your knowledge.