Public and Commercial Services Union

Negotiators and activists should try to achieve the following broad objectives when negotiating policies and procedures or helping members with health and attendance problems.

Good practice :

• Addressing the underlying causes of absence instead of setting arbitrary targets and using punitive measures
• Improving line manager training
• Encouraging flexibility
• Reducing pressures on staff
• Improving Health & Safety management and procedures
• Not using the attendance procedures to cut costs or to reduce staff numbers
• Not introducing policies just to deflect media criticism

Good practice will lead to the creation of a healthy workplace with increased productivity and efficiency as a result of:

• Fairer policies including making necessary adjustments for staff who need them
• Implementing good policies that already exist
• Openness and transparency
• Better work environment
• Better job satisfaction
• Improved rehabilitation options
• Improved morale
• Good preventive measures to reduce sick leave
• Less stress and anxiety
• Staff feeling valued by the employer