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SOS-HR are members of The Shipping and Logistics Support Alliance (SaLSA), which was formed to deliver a supportive framework of readily accessible high quality business services and professional expert advice to businesses in the Shipping & Logistics sector.

The aim of the Alliance is to create a powerful synergy by combining our knowledge and understanding of this specialist industry sector and enabling each member to provide relevant and specific products and services designed to meet our customers individual requirements.

The key benefit to our clients is that each Alliance member is able to offer a broader range of services with a guarantee of professional and cost effective advice. Click here to visit the website for further information. www.salsa.uk.net

On 6 th April 2010 the traditional sick certificate (MED3) will be gone and in its place a new Fit Note will be introduced.

The Fit Note will be issued by the employee’s doctor and will provide employers with information about their employee’s illness. It will state if their doctor considers them to be unfit for work or may be fit for work taking into account the following:

Employers will be expected to consult with their employees on what adjustments can be made in the workplace to expedite an earlier return to work.

Whilst most employers will be pleased to support a system which allows their employees to return to work as soon as possible following a period of sick leave there will no doubt be concerns on how to manage “phased returns to work” or other adjustments as suggested by the GP.

It is clear that whilst GP’s will have responsibility for stating whether or not they consider a person is fit for some duties the final decision will be made by the employer in consultation with their employee.

Many employers will be concerned about risk assessments, health and safety issues and whether or not sick pay is payable. The maximum length of sign-off for statutory sickness will be reduced from six to three months.

Employers who already have a robust Sickness and Absence Management system in place will be best placed to deal with the new requirements.

It will be extremely important that managers are trained in managing absence and a fair and consistent approach is maintained across the organisation. This will avoid claims of disability discrimination or unfair dismissal should an employee be dismissed for ill health reasons.

If you would like help with your Sickness and Absence Management system please call us.

SUFFOLK BUSINESS MINDED - A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE WELLBEING, Click Here for further information.

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