Absence Management Policy / Sickness Absence Policy (UK) 2026 Edition

Manage employee sickness absence fairly, consistently and professionally.

This professionally written Absence Management Policy, also suitable as a Sickness Absence Policy, provides UK employers with a clear framework for managing employee sickness absence, supporting employee wellbeing and maintaining operational continuity.

Created by a Master's qualified HR Specialist (CIPD Level 7 Accredited), this editable policy is designed for SMEs, hospitality businesses and growing organisations that need a structured approach to absence management without spending hours creating policies from scratch.

The policy outlines sickness reporting procedures, evidence requirements, sick pay guidance, return to work processes and long-term absence management, helping employers apply a fair and consistent approach across their workforce.

What's Included

✔ Absence Management Policy (2026 Edition)

✔ Fully editable Microsoft Word document

✔ Ready to use professional policy framework

✔ Suitable for SMEs and growing organisations

The policy covers:

✔ Sickness absence reporting procedures

✔ Self-certification and fit note requirements

✔ Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) guidance

✔ Company sick pay considerations

✔ Keeping in touch during absence

✔ Return to work discussions

✔ Phased returns to work

✔ Long-term sickness absence management

✔ Attendance review processes

✔ Data protection and confidentiality requirements

Why Choose This Policy?

Save Time

Avoid creating absence management policies from scratch. Simply customise with your organisation's details and implement immediately.

Support Consistent Absence Management

Provide managers with a clear framework for handling sickness absence fairly and professionally across the organisation.

Support Employee Wellbeing

Help ensure employees receive appropriate support during periods of sickness absence while maintaining business continuity.

Professional and Easy to Use

Written in clear, practical language suitable for SMEs and organisations without dedicated HR support.

Who Is This For?

✔ UK SMEs

✔ Business Owners

✔ HR Managers

✔ Hospitality Employers

✔ Team Leaders and Line Managers

✔ Organisations reviewing attendance management procedures

✔ Employers seeking an Absence Management Policy template

✔ Employers seeking a Sickness Absence Policy template

File Format

You will receive:

✔ Microsoft Word (.docx) file

✔ Fully editable template

✔ Instant digital download

Compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs and other word processing software.

Looking for a Complete HR System?

This policy forms part of the wider KBM Templates HR collection.

For a complete onboarding and compliance solution, explore the New Starter Essentials & Policies Bundle, which includes contracts, onboarding documents, probation templates, compliance tools and essential workplace policies for UK employers.

Licence & Usage

This document is licensed for personal and internal business use only.

You may edit and use the policy within your organisation but may not:

✔ Resell

✔ Redistribute

✔ Share externally

✔ Upload for public use

All content is copyright © KBM Templates.

Legal Disclaimer

This document provides general HR guidance based on UK employment legislation and HR best practice. It does not constitute legal advice. Employers should seek professional advice where required for specific workplace situations.