In this situation, if it is crucial that you speak with your employee (e.g. to progress an investigation) and it might be advisable to obtain medical advice from either their GP or Occupational Health for them to comment on the individual’s fitness to attend such a meeting.
Whilst the employee must give their consent to their employer obtaining medical advice from Occupational Health or a medical practitioner, for teachers it is a condition of continuing to receive contractual sick pay under the Burgundy Book that they agree to attend medical examinations requested by their employer whilst off sick.
You should ask whether the employee is well enough to engage in a conversation or meeting with you and if there is anything you can do to facilitate that discussion with the employee. It is going to be very difficult to progress the absence management procedure in the absence of engagement from the employee and seeking expert opinion on their ability to attend is often the best approach.
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