that may be needed to facilitate your return to work, taking account of your doctor's advice.
12.
RETURNING TO WORK FROM LONG-TERM SICKNESS ABSENCE
12.1
We are committed to helping employees return to work from long-term sickness absence. As part of our sickness absence meetings procedure (see paragraph 13), we will, where appropriate and possible, support returns to work by:
(a) obtaining medical advice;
(b) making reasonable adjustments to the workplace, working practices and working hours;
(c)
considering redeployment; and/or
(d) agreeing a return-to-work programme with everyone affected.
12.2
If you are unable to return to work in the longer term, we will consider whether you are entitled to any benefits under your contract and/or any insurance schemes we operate.
13.
SICKNESS ABSENCE MEETINGS PROCEDURE
13.1
We may apply this procedure whenever we consider it necessary, including, for example, if you:
(a) have been absent due to illness on a number of occasions;
(b) have discussed matters at a return-to-work interview that require investigation; and/or
(c)
have had 3 periods of absence within any 12 month period
13.2
Unless it is impractical to do so, we will give you 5 days' written notice of the date, time and place of a sickness absence meeting. We will put any concerns about your sickness absence and the basis for those concerns in writing or otherwise advise why the meeting is being called. A reasonable opportunity for you to consider this information before a meeting will be provided.
13.3
The meeting will be conducted by your line manager. You may bring a companion with you to the meeting (see paragraph 14).
13.4
You must take all reasonable steps to attend a meeting. Failure to do so without good reason may be treated as misconduct. If you or your companion are unable to attend at the time specified you should immediately inform your line manager who will seek to agree an alternative time. A meeting may be adjourned if your line manager is awaiting receipt of information, needs to gather any further information or give consideration to matters discussed at a previous meeting. You will be given a reasonable opportunity to consider any new information obtained before the meeting is reconvened. Confirmation of any decision made at a meeting, the reasons for it, and of the right of appeal will be given to you in writing within 3 days of a sickness absence meeting (unless this time scale is not practicable, in which case it will be provided as soon as is practicable). If, at any time, your line manager considers that you have taken or are taking sickness absence when you are not unwell, they may refer matters to be dealt with under our Disciplinary Procedure.
13.5
13.6
13.7
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