You’ve received a reference request from another employer relating to one of your employees. It asks how many days’ sick this individual has taken in the past two years. Should you answer this
question or stay silent?
Published 20.10.2016
You’re considering hiring a new employee but are concerned about potential sickness absence. When you write to their current employer for a reference, can you ask them to disclose the employee’s
sickness absence history?
Published 27.06.2023
An employer who terminated recruitment discussions when it found out about a job applicant’s sickness absence history from her previous employer has been ordered to pay £23,000 in compensation. Why
did the tribunal make this award?
Published 07.11.2022
You’ve received a reference from a prospective employee’s former employer. It states that the individual had a lengthy period of long-term sickness absence. Can you use this as grounds to withdraw
your job offer?
Published 28.06.2016
In Charlesworth v Dransfields Engineering Services Ltd 2017 the employee took time off work following his cancer diagnosis. On his return he was made redundant but his disability discrimination claim
failed. Why was this?
Published 25.08.2017
We’ve received many questions from subscribers about the Equality Act 2010. A popular one is whether they can still ask job applicants health-related questions. Where does the legislation leave you
on this important issue?
Published 03.11.2010
Let’s suppose that you have a policy of giving standard references which confirm job title and employment dates only. Are you obliged to stick to these basic details or can you disclose more
information to a third party?
Published 09.09.2014
You’re sure that a disabled employee is skiving and not genuinely sick. If you question them about the situation, will that automatically be an act of disability discrimination on your part?
Published 24.05.2019
It was a huge relief when a nightmare of an employee resigned. But you’ve now received a reference request - seems like they want to be a headache for another unlucky employer. So is honesty the best
policy in this situation?
Published 09.03.2010
When an employee was first signed off, the sick note said “chest infection”. Now it cites “stress” as the reason for his absence. Either way, you want him out if he can’t do the job. But what step
must you take before even trying to fire him?
Published 10.02.2010