This article deals with the general law in relation to absenteeism. If you have any specific cases in relation to absenteeism, please consult a specialist legal professional to obtain advice.
The relevant section in the Employment Act 1955 that deals with absenteeism is section 15(2).
“An employee shall be deemed to have broken his contract of service with the employer if he has been continuously absent from work for more than two consecutive working days without prior leave from his employer, unless he has a reasonable excuse for such absence and has informed or attempted to inform his employer of such excuse prior to or at the earliest opportunity during such absence.”
Although the Employment Act 1955 applies only to employees under certain categories, in regard to those outside the scope of the Employment Act 1955, it is also common to have a similarly-worded clause in an employment contract or in the policy or employee handbook of a company.
Key words :
more than two consecutive working days
without prior leave from his employer
attempted to inform his employer
at the earliest opportunity during such absence
The ideal steps to be taken by an employer (at bare minimum)