Sickness absence and sick pay: a guide for union reps
"None of us knows when we might need the support of a good sick pay scheme and a fair absence management policy. The issue brings together an element most unionised employers expect to bargain over — pay — and another element that they may be less willing to negotiate — management procedures....
| Institution: | ETUI-European Trade Union Institute |
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| Format: | TEXT |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
London
2015
LRD |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19103272124919214549-Sickness-absence-and-sick-pay-.htm |
| Summary: | "None of us knows when we might need the support of a good sick pay scheme and a fair absence management policy. The issue brings together an element most unionised employers expect to bargain over — pay — and another element that they may be less willing to negotiate — management procedures.
During the economic downturn most negotiators have struggled to secure real pay rises, and maintaining or improving sick pay has been a real challenge. There has been growing pressure on sick and disabled workers in the public sector from government cuts, while many of the newly created private sector jobs are low-paying and precarious, with a “floor” set by the minimum wage and statutory sick pay (SSP) all that is on offer.
Nevertheless, wherever unions are present in the workplace and where employers are sufficiently motivated, protection for employees unable to work for health-related reasons will always be high on the agenda. Government initiatives like the now well established Fit Note and the much more recent Fit for Work review scheme may bring new opportunities to discuss health at work, while growing recognition of mental health as a workplace issue may make it easier to manage one of the top causes of long-term sickness absence — stress." |
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| Physical Description: | 72 p. Paper |