How to Handle Absence Without Breaking the Law
- Bearman HR | HR Services in Kent
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
For businesses in Kent, including Chatham, Maidstone and Medway, absence management is one of the most common HR challenges. Get it wrong, and you risk lost productivity, frustrated teams, and even employment tribunal claims.
Get it right, and you protect both your business and your people.
Here are three key steps every business owner and line manager should follow:
1. Have a Clear Absence Policy
Your first line of defence is a watertight absence policy. Employees should know:
How to report an absence.
When a fit note is required.
What the return-to-work process looks like.
Businesses across Kent often find that once policies are clear and communicated, absence levels drop, and staff feel reassured that procedures are fair.
2. Keep Absence Records
It’s not just good practice - it’s legal protection. By keeping accurate records of:
Dates of absence.
Reasons given.
Any communication with the employee.
…you build a clear picture and protect your business if patterns emerge or legal questions arise.
If you’re running a business in Chatham or anywhere in Kent, proper record keeping can save you from expensive disputes and help you spot absence trends early.
3. Be Fair and Consistent
Perhaps the biggest risk comes from inconsistency. If two employees are treated differently in similar situations, you could face discrimination or unfair treatment claims.
Always:
Follow your policy.
Document every step.
Treat cases on the same footing, unless there’s a justified reason not to.
Consistency is especially important for SMEs in Kent and the wider Medway area, where smaller teams mean absence decisions are more visible to colleagues.
Why This Matters for Businesses in Kent
Absence will always cost your business in some way - but the real costs come from mistakes. A tribunal claim, reputational damage, or disengaged staff will hit your bottom line harder than a day off sick.
By setting clear rules, keeping records, and applying fairness, you’ll not only stay compliant but also create a culture of trust and accountability.
If you’re in a similar position, struggling with an employee issue, unsure what your legal position is, or scared to act Bearman HR can help.
We offer:
✅ Expert HR advice tailored to small businesses in Kent.
✅ Absence management support to keep you compliant and protected.
✅ Hands-on guidance with employee relations issues.
✅ Policies, procedures, and HR frameworks that actually work.
📍 Based in Kent? Searching for “HR consultancy near me”?
📩 Let’s talk. We’ll take the pressure off and help you move forward with confidence.
Read how a Kent business overcame costly absence issues with our help [view their story here]
