What do managers need to do if a coronavirus related absence prompts an Attendance Review 1 or 2 or Consideration of Dismissal?

Post by **POSTMAN** » 30 Mar 2020, 21:22

What do managers need to do if a coronavirus related absence prompts an Attendance Review 1 or 2 or Consideration of Dismissal?

Where an Attendance Review 1 or 2 or Consideration of Dismissal has been prompted due to coronavirus related sick absence, managers should consider if there is a need to meet with the employee, given the advice that in most cases coronavirus absences are discounted from the normal attendance procedure.

If a manager decides they do not need to meet with the employee, they do not have to send the invitation letter. Instead managers should let the employee know and update the case on PSP to state ‘Not issued’.

If a manager decides they do need to meet with the employee, for example the absence was excessive in nature or there were repeat absences, they should invite the employee to the relevant attendance meeting using the available invitation letters and ensuring that when meeting they follow the social distancing guidelines that have been communicated.

Do managers still need to hold welcome back meetings when employees return from coronavirus related sick absence?

Managers should continue to hold welcome back meetings, but ensure they follow the current advice on increasing social distancing if they are meeting with the employee. Please see the manager guide on managing coronavirus related absence for further information. (https://www.myroyalmail.com/sites/defau ... 062020.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

I have recorded an employee on PSP as a confirmed Coronavirus case. The system has prompted me to raise an OH referral. Do I need to?

You do not have to submit an OH referral for a confirmed Coronavirus case. However, if the absence exceeds expected timescales or a return to work cannot be agreed, a referral may support you to understand your employee’s situation and/or highlight what adjustments can be made to support their return to work.

2nd post PDF in the Global Announcement...
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Dindin · Post by **Dindin** » 30 Mar 2020, 21:43

Does this include self isolating?

sindba · Post by **sindba** » 30 Mar 2020, 22:28

"If a manager decides"

Haha we're all f*****

Post by **POSTMAN** » 30 Mar 2020, 23:50

Dindin wrote:Does this include self isolating?

Yes.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 15 Jun 2020, 10:08

Updated 12 June

Managers should seek guidance form HR Services Advice & Support if they are considering issuing an AR1/AR2 or considering dismissing an employee due to a coronavirus related absence. Please see the manager guide on managing coronavirus related absence for further information.

The Demented Bread Boffer · Post by **The Demented Bread Boffer** » 30 Aug 2020, 10:01

POSTMAN wrote:Updated 12 June

Managers should seek guidance form HR Services Advice & Support if they are considering issuing an AR1/AR2 or considering dismissing an employee due to a coronavirus related absence. Please see the manager guide on managing coronavirus related absence for further information.

Surely this can't be right? If you're told by the Government to stay away from work, then the work surely can't hold it against you. If this is indeed the case, I can see a helluva lot of people just going to work and spreading the disease to Mail Centres, Delivery Offices and more importantly the customer they visit... many of whom are elderly.

As for "seeking guidance from HR", that in itself is a joke. I've been given a stage 1 in the past for having the temerity to be hospitalised with asthma (according to Capita asthma isn't covered under the Equalities Act. After 40 years of suffering, I look forward to this cure they seem to know about) and having a nasal polypectomy* (which in itself had been put back because my manager refused me the time off to get it). This stage was issued after "guidance" from HR.

* Nasal Polyps... Think sleep deprivation for over 3 months and the stress it causes, uncontrolled asthma, constant chest infections, constant throat infections, feeling like total, shall we say, rubbish, constant antibiotics to the point I became allergic to penicillin, constant courses of steroids which in turn lower your immune system leaving you open to other chest infections... not just the ones caused by your unfiltered breathing (through your mouth). Have you ever blown your nose at the end of the day / weekend and looked at the contents? THAT was going straight to my lungs.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 30 Aug 2020, 18:05

The Demented Bread Boffer wrote:
POSTMAN wrote:Updated 12 June

Managers should seek guidance form HR Services Advice & Support if they are considering issuing an AR1/AR2 or considering dismissing an employee due to a coronavirus related absence. Please see the manager guide on managing coronavirus related absence for further information.
Surely this can't be right? If you're told by the Government to stay away from work, then the work surely can't hold it against you. If this is indeed the case, I can see a helluva lot of people just going to work and spreading the disease to Mail Centres, Delivery Offices and more importantly the customer they visit... many of whom are elderly.

As for "seeking guidance from HR", that in itself is a joke. I've been given a stage 1 in the past for having the temerity to be hospitalised with asthma (according to Capita asthma isn't covered under the Equalities Act. After 40 years of suffering, I look forward to this cure they seem to know about) and having a nasal polypectomy* (which in itself had been put back because my manager refused me the time off to get it). This stage was issued after "guidance" from HR.

* Nasal Polyps... Think sleep deprivation for over 3 months and the stress it causes, uncontrolled asthma, constant chest infections, constant throat infections, feeling like total, shall we say, rubbish, constant antibiotics to the point I became allergic to penicillin, constant courses of steroids which in turn lower your immune system leaving you open to other chest infections... not just the ones caused by your unfiltered breathing (through your mouth). Have you ever blown your nose at the end of the day / weekend and looked at the contents? THAT was going straight to my lungs.

The trouble is a firm/employer pays a private company and tell's them the outcome they are paying them for ie a contract firm will always find in the favour of the payee and will spout all kinds of crap about your condition, Take them to court gather your witness/doctors and see them in court it cost's lot's of money but this is why the system is weighted in the favour of the rich powerful people and organisations but even then you could win your case. Maybe they will back down just under the threat of action their own solicitors will look at the evidence and concede they have no case against you and return your job back if you lose it or offer compensation.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 08 Oct 2020, 15:35

I have recorded an employee on PSP as a confirmed Coronavirus case. The system has prompted me to raise an OH referral. Do I need to?

You do not have to submit an OH referral for a confirmed Coronavirus case. However, if the absence exceeds expected timescales or a return to work cannot be agreed, a referral may support you to understand your employee’s situation and/or highlight what adjustments can be made to support their return to work.

Crevoona · Post by **Crevoona** » 09 Dec 2020, 21:16

Hello

Got an AR1 this week. Actual sick has been 4 days in last 2 years. Isolated 3 times since covid

First for 4 days as had symptoms but came back clear (was actually only 2 days missed of work due to my days off)

Second for 7 days due to NHS app telling me to isolate (had 10+ cases in office so believe this was the trigger)

Third and most recent for 14 days due to my partner getting positive covid result, I didn't get it.

My questions is what is classed as excess leave of abnormal? I have always showed proof of my NHS app and test results etc.

Oh and I only had 1 return to work for the last one ans no other contact or paperwork for the first two.....

Thanks

Post by **tractorboy2** » 10 Dec 2020, 07:23

Did you take a rep to the AR1 ?

Crevoona · Post by **Crevoona** » 10 Dec 2020, 19:04

tractorboy2 wrote: ↑
10 Dec 2020, 07:23
Did you take a rep to the AR1 ?

I haven't had it yet but have little faith in him

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 12 Dec 2020, 05:18

If worst comes to worst and you get a RTU Reason To Urge ie a formal meeting of dismissal stage three they need to prove the facts but facts contrary to the said managers facts count sometimes less bit like courts in the justice system! This is why a mountain of info helps in your defence it also looks bad on the team who bought the RTU which is no bad thing for all!

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