Ask Shaye
Querying sick leave
When can my manager query my sick leave record? I work in a public hospital.
Under Section 3.2.5 of PD2018_046 (Leave Matters for the NSW Health Service), certain review points are identified for sick leave absences. These include absences within the first three months of employment (with three separate absences without a medical certificate being considered unsatisfactory) and frequent short-term absences, with managers able to initiate discussions with an employee after five separate unsupported absences. Eight unsupported absences in any 12-month period is considered an unsatisfactory level.
In all cases, the employee concerned should be provided an opportunity to discuss their reasons for the absence levels. Appropriate documentation must be kept of any discussion or agreed actions following a review of an employee’s sick leave record.