Sickness & Return to Work Policy¶
FooEngine recognises that employees may occasionally be unable to work due to illness. This policy explains how sickness absence is reported, how pay is handled, and how we support employees returning to work following illness.
Notification of Sickness¶
If you are unwell and unable to work, you must notify the company as soon as reasonably possible.
Notification should be made by Slack, telephone, text, or email to your line manager. If you are unable to do this yourself, someone else may notify on your behalf.
When notifying, please provide:
- The nature of your illness (in general terms)
- An indication of expected return date if known
Where appropriate, we may request medical evidence such as a GP fit note.
Recording Sickness in Sense HR¶
All sickness absence must be recorded in Sense HR once you are well enough to do so.
Failure to notify sickness absence or record it appropriately may result in disciplinary action.
Sick Pay¶
FooEngine will continue to pay your normal salary during short periods of illness, subject to statutory sick pay rules and reasonable absence levels.
Extended or Long-Term Illness¶
Where illness results in extended or repeated absences, we will:
- Keep in reasonable contact with you
- Discuss how the company can support your recovery
- Consider reasonable workplace adjustments where appropriate
At the company's discretion, and where medically justified, salary may continue beyond statutory sick pay for a limited period. Each case will be reviewed individually.
During long-term absence:
- You must keep in touch regarding your condition and expected return
- We may request medical evidence or occupational health input
- Holiday entitlement will continue to accrue in line with statutory requirements
Failure to maintain reasonable communication may result in disciplinary action.
Illness of a Family Member¶
If you need time off to care for an unwell family member, please inform your line manager. Short-term compassionate leave or temporary flexible working may be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Keeping in Touch During Absence¶
If you are absent for more than one week, your manager will check in periodically. If you wish, we will also keep you updated on important company matters during your absence.
Return to Work¶
If you have been off sick for an extended period, we will agree a return-to-work plan before you resume duties. This may include:
- A phased return
- Adjusted hours
- Temporary reduction in workload
- Workplace adjustments
Where appropriate, medical advice may be requested to support this process.
Our aim is to support a safe and sustainable return to work.
Persistent or High Levels of Absence¶
Where absence levels become frequent or prolonged, we may arrange formal absence review meetings to:
- Understand underlying causes
- Explore support or adjustments
- Agree improvement plans where appropriate
If absence levels do not improve without medical justification, this may ultimately lead to formal warnings and, in serious cases, termination of employment. Any such process will follow fair procedure and UK employment standards.
Confidentiality¶
Health and medical information will be handled sensitively and in confidence, in line with our Data Protection Policy.
Questions¶
If you have any questions about sickness absence or support available, speak with your line manager or company director.
Return to Work Process¶
If you have been absent from work due to illness, stress or other health-related reasons, FooEngine is committed to supporting your safe and successful return to work. Every situation is different; this process outlines what you can generally expect.
Before Your Return¶
Where possible, approximately one week before your planned return, your manager will arrange a call to:
- Discuss how you are feeling about returning
- Agree expectations for your first few weeks back
- Identify any adjustments or support that may be helpful
- Set realistic short-term goals
Support on Return¶
On your return:
- Your line manager will be your main point of contact
- Additional support may be arranged where helpful
- Check-ins will be scheduled during your first few weeks back
All health information will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
Phased Return (where appropriate)¶
Depending on the length and nature of your absence, we may agree:
- Reduced hours for an initial period
- A lighter workload
- Temporary adjustment of responsibilities
- Additional one-to-one meetings with your manager
The aim is to allow you to rebuild confidence and capacity gradually.
Progress Reviews¶
After an initial period (typically around four weeks, or another agreed timeframe):
- You and your manager will review progress
- Adjustments may be continued, amended or concluded
- Next steps toward full duties will be agreed
If further support is needed, this will be discussed openly.
Ongoing Health Considerations¶
If you experience difficulty after returning, or feel you are struggling:
- Speak with your manager as early as possible
- Further adjustments can be considered
- No employee will be penalised for raising genuine health concerns
Aim of the Process¶
Our goal is to:
- Support your wellbeing
- Enable a sustainable return to work
- Maintain open and respectful communication