Medical certificates are required to help manage absenteeism and to provide employers with information to enable reasonable accommodation – but what do you need to look out for to ensure it contains the correct details? An employer can decide how soon they require a medical certificate, but a reasonable request would be to require one on the third working day of absence. Medical certificate requirements should be adapted to suit the business’ circumstances, but it’s important to ensure that there is a clear policy in place as to when a certificate is required and their frequency. Requiring weekly medical certificates for short term absence and accepting monthly certificates for long-term absences is widespread and sensible practice. What should it include? A valid medical certificate should:
- Be clearly written
- Only include facts or observation which are made by the doctor
- State the date the employee can return to work
- State any advice that should be taken into account
- Be addressed to the recipient of the certificate
- Include the length of time the employee should be absent for
- Only be issued by a registered medical practitioner
It’s important to note that while a medical certificate can be issued after the employee has taken sick leave, it should clearly state the date of appointment. If an employee fails to submit an acceptable medical certificate during a period of absence that was not authorised by management, this will be deemed unauthorised absence and should be addressed through the internal disciplinary procedure. If you have any questions regarding the issues in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact our 24 Hour Advice Service on 01 855 50 50
