Managing sickness and absence is one of the most challenging aspects of HR and management. Poor handling of employee absence can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and even legal risks.
VH Courses’ CPD Certified Managing Sickness and Absence Training Course provides managers and HR professionals with the knowledge and skills to handle absence fairly, effectively, and in line with workplace policies and legal obligations. With the added benefit of our AI Course Tutor, learners receive tailored guidance to address real-world challenges.
Why Managing Absence Matters
Unplanned absences cost UK businesses billions every year. While illness and personal emergencies are sometimes unavoidable, poor management of absences can:
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Reduce productivity and efficiency
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Place added pressure on colleagues
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Damage staff morale and trust
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Increase employee turnover
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Lead to potential legal or compliance issues
With the right training, managers can approach absence proactively, balancing empathy with business needs.
Real-World Experience: The Manufacturing Firm That Reduced Absences
A medium-sized manufacturing company faced rising absence rates, with employees frequently taking unplanned sick days. After their managers completed VH Courses’ training, they:
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Implemented return-to-work interviews consistently
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Recognised patterns of absence and addressed issues early
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Learned how to support employees with long-term health conditions
Result: Short-term absences decreased by 25%, productivity improved, and staff reported greater trust in management.
What You’ll Learn in This Course
Our CPD Certified Managing Sickness and Absence Training Course covers:
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Legal Responsibilities – Understanding employer and employee rights
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Absence Policies – Creating and enforcing fair, consistent policies
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Effective Record-Keeping – Tracking absences accurately and transparently
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Return-to-Work Interviews – Managing reintegration with sensitivity
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Long-Term Illness Management – Supporting employees while meeting business needs
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Preventative Measures – Encouraging wellbeing to reduce absence rates
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Handling Difficult Conversations – Approaching sensitive topics with professionalism
Why Choose VH Courses
1. CPD Certified Training
Gain recognised professional development that strengthens HR and management expertise.
2. Expert-Led Modules
Developed by HR specialists with years of practical experience managing workplace absence.
3. AI Course Tutor Support
Provides:
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Tailored advice for handling specific case studies
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Guidance on sensitive conversations with employees
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Additional resources for HR compliance and policy creation
4. Flexible Online Learning
Study at your own pace with modules accessible anywhere, anytime — perfect for busy managers and HR teams.
5. Immediate Workplace Application
Skills can be applied immediately to improve absence management, boost morale, and protect organisational productivity.
Real-World Experience: HR Success in a Tech Startup
An HR manager at a fast-growing tech startup was overwhelmed by inconsistent absence reporting. After completing VH Courses’ training, she:
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Established a clear absence reporting structure
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Introduced wellness initiatives to support employee health
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Used return-to-work interviews to identify underlying issues
Result: Absences became more predictable and transparent, employees felt better supported, and the business avoided potential tribunal claims.
Who Should Take This Course?
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HR professionals responsible for absence management
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Line managers overseeing teams
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Business owners and directors wanting to strengthen workplace policies
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Organisations seeking to reduce absenteeism and improve workplace wellbeing
FAQs
Q: How long does the course take?
Most learners complete it within a few hours, with flexible access.
Q: Do I need HR experience to take this course?
No — the course is designed for managers, HR professionals, and business leaders alike.
Q: Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, successful learners receive a CPD certified certificate of completion.
Q: Can this be rolled out across an organisation?
Yes — VH Courses offers scalable solutions for training whole teams or companies.
Conclusion
Managing sickness and absence effectively protects productivity, reduces costs, and creates a fair, supportive workplace. With VH Courses’ CPD Certified Managing Sickness and Absence Training Course, managers and HR professionals gain the confidence, knowledge, and strategies to handle absence proactively, fairly, and legally.
👉 Enrol in the Managing Sickness and Absence Training Course