Stressed employees and long term sickness issues

It is recognised that people come to work and deal with stressful or difficult situations and that this can be reasonably expected. An employer is entitled to expect employees to deal with the normal stresses and strains of work with "reasonable fortitude". However, there are limits and employers would be ill advised to ignore warning signs that people are working too hard or are being overburdened, particularly over substantial periods of time. Support and recognition of these issues are important to prevent matters going too far.

Long term sickness can result from a failure to keep welfare issues to the forefront, but these then need to be managed, usually by a process of communication, with the employee and the implementation of proper back to work procedures. If their return becomes unlikely, managing an agreed termination may be in both parties interest. The introduction of appropriate procedures and implementing these is good management and Temple Heelis have expertise in drafting bespoke policies and procedures for your business.

For an initial discussion regarding long term sickness matters, please contact Richard Moore or John Sim at our Kendal office on 01539 723 757.
Alternatively, use our Call Me Back facility and we will contact you at a time that is convenient for you.

Temple Heelis LLP have supported businesses with their employment law related matters throughout Cumbria (Kendal, Barrow, Carlisle, Penrith) and North Lancashire (Lancaster, Morecambe, Preston).