Skip to content

Limited access mode: Please note you need to be an HR Protect client to access some content on this Hub.  Please enquire.

How long should someone be off sick before I can dismiss them?

How long should someone be off sick before I can dismiss them?

There is no right or wrong answer to this.

If you have a policy in place, this should give you guidance on the process you have to follow before dismissing someone for their sickness absence. For short term absences the employer would usually be expected to issue a series of warnings before getting to the dismissal stage. The length of time absence can be sustained very much depends on the reason for their absence, the likelihood that they will be able to return to work and the impact on the business of their absence. See:

S1: How to Guide: managing sickness absence

S2: Flowchart

Associated resource

S1 – How to Guide – Managing Sickness Absence

Associated resource

S2 - Flowchart of sickness absence process

Updated on 01.05.2021

Download document