Navigating sickness absence and capability in the new era of discrimination

A workshop is planned in Guernsey to tackle the thorny issues employers face managing employee short and long-term absences and capability processes.

Organised by law firm Bedell Cristin and supported by Offshore HR, the seminar on Tuesday 21st March, will explore the myriad of issues arising from employee absences from obtaining medical evidence, data protection, Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) and sick pay to disability related absences and the practicalities of making reasonable adjustments.

It will also explore the impact of the imminent discrimination legislation on employer’s existing contractual and policy documentation and provide practical guidance on ensuring internal policies and procedures are fit for purpose under the new law.

There will be a particular focus on disability discrimination with attendees being walked through real life cases and given practical guidance on managing reasonable adjustments in the workplace Those attending will also have the opportunity to work through structured case studies and discuss and share their own experiences in a round table format.

Hosted by Carly Parrott, Head of Employment Channel Islands, Bedell Cristin, and one of Guernsey’s leading employment law specialists, Carly will be supported in discussing the issues by Kim Reece-Sheerin, Director of Offshore HR Specialists Limited.

Carly commented: “Employers will want to ensure they understand and follow the latest legislation in this field and stay on the right side of the law. This workshop will address the issues that arise and offer advice and guidance. We take it a step further through the interactive part of the seminar when, using case studies and real-life examples, Kim and I hope to provide those attending with the confidence to navigate the thorny issues of sickness management back in their own workplace.”

The workshop is a breakfast seminar which takes place at the Old Government House Hotel in St Peter Port. Registration opens at 7.45 am with the event starting at 8.00 am finishing at 10.00 am.