{"id":1279,"date":"2022-01-07T02:58:55","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T02:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uk.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1279"},"modified":"2022-06-01T03:35:34","modified_gmt":"2022-06-01T02:35:34","slug":"dismiss-employee-unexplained-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/dismiss-employee-unexplained-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Dismiss my Employee in England or Wales for an Unexplained Absence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As an employer, you may find yourself in the position of needing to end your employee&#8217;s employment with you and sometimes without notice. This is also known as dismissal.\u00a0It is important to be aware of the rules regarding employee dismissal to ensure you meet your legal obligations. If you do not, you could find yourself faced with an employment tribunal and potentially paying your employee compensation.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article will outline what an unexplained absence is and whether you can dismiss an employee for this.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">General Rules for Dismissal<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whilst you are entitled to dismiss employees, you must ensure that when you do so, you give a valid justifiable reason for it and that you demonstrate you have acted reasonably when doing so.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The general rules you must be aware of regarding dismissal include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">being consistent with all employees in terms of any reasons given for dismissal;<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">investigating any situations surrounding dismissal thoroughly; and<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">treating all workers fairly regardless of their employment status.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generally, you may dismiss your employee for the following reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an inability to correctly carry out their job;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">illness;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/make-employee-redundant\/\">redundancy purposes<\/a>;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/ordinary-gross-misconduct\/\">gross misconduct<\/a>;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a \u2018statutory restriction\u2019, which means that employing them would break the law, such as an employee who needs to drive but no longer has their driving licence; or<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a \u2018substantial reason\u2019 such as the employee unreasonably refusing to accept changes within your business which affect the employee\u2019s terms; and<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a situation where it is not practically possible to employ them anymore, such as if floods destroyed your office.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Is an Unexplained Absence?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An unexplained absence is also known as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an unauthorised absence;<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">an unplanned absence<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">absent without leave (AWOL); or&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">absent without permission.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This means that your employee has either not given you a reason for not attending work or not contacted you to tell you that they will not be attending work. In other words, you&nbsp;have not authorised the absence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An absence would not be considered unexplained when a reason is given, and permission obtained either beforehand or in emergencies on the day of absence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Authorised absence is, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">taking a form of paid leave such as <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/leave-entitlements-england-wales\/\">annual, sick or maternity leave<\/a>;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">unpaid leave;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">jury service; or\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">compassionate leave.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some examples in the table below can illustrate how an unexplained absence might be treated.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained absence due to a family death<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Excusable absence<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained absence due to confusion over shifts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Potential misconduct<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained absence due to taking a holiday the employee did not have permission to take<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Potential gross misconduct<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular 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In that case, this can be considered misconduct. As explained earlier in this article, this is a potential cause for an employer to consider dismissal as it is a disciplinary offence. Some instances of an unexplained absence could even be considered gross misconduct.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can dismiss an employee for an unexplained absence, particularly where the absence continues with no contact made by the employee. However, it is not wise to do this without carrying out a specified and fair procedure beforehand.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may wish to consider further investigations where your employee does not provide adequate reason for their absence which could be part of a disciplinary procedure. As an employer, it is advisable that you list potential disciplinary offences, such as unexplained absence, within your disciplinary policy for clarity for your employees. A consequence of not carrying out a procedure to investigate the unexplained absence could result in the employee claiming unfair dismissal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before considering carrying out your disciplinary procedure, where absences are not continuous but happen now and again, an employer may wish to first follow up the absence with a return-to-work interview or with oral and written warnings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Investigating an Unexplained Absence<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here is a typical procedure an employer may use to investigate an unexplained absence before considering or carrying out dismissal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First Day of Absence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">attempt to contact the employee &#8211; this is important mainly because you as an employer have a duty of care towards your employees;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">keep a record of your attempts to contact the employee;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">contact the employee\u2019s emergency contact when you are unable to make contact with the employee; and<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">write a \u2018letter of concern\u2019 or an email to the employee, reminding them that they are required to inform you as their employer if they are absent from work and ask them to explain their absence.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Second Day of Absence<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your employee remains absent the following day, you should attempt to contact them again. This might include a visit to their place of residence should the employee live on their own, if you are concerned for their physical wellbeing. If you still cannot locate them, email and post a recorded delivery of a letter to the employee, requesting them to attend a disciplinary hearing, with significant notice, to explain their unexplained absence. This should detail all attempts the employer has made to contact the employee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disciplinary Meeting<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This should take place in line with the <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/companion-disciplinary-meeting\/\">employer\u2019s disciplinary procedure<\/a>. Should the employee not attend this, reschedule with significant notice. A decision can, however, be made in the employee&#8217;s absence which can include dismissal. You should note that the employee has the right to appeal any decision, including dismissal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your employee has an unauthorised absence, this means that they have not come to work, not provided a reason, and you have not permitted them to be absent. There can be many reasons your employee may have an unexplained absence, and some may be fair and genuine. There may also be occasions when your employees have unexplained absences, which cause concern.&nbsp; Therefore, an option open to you may be dismissal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, dismissal is a last resort. To ensure that any potential dismissal is fair and does not give rise to a claim for unfair dismissal, you should ensure that you initially investigate the reasons for unexplained absence, carrying out a fair disciplinary procedure as required.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need help with dismissing or dealing with your employee for an unexplained absence, our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment-lawyers-lp\/\">experienced employment lawyers<\/a> can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">membership page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1641521876599\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is an unexplained absence?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An unexplained absence can be termed an unplanned absence, absent without permission, absent without leave (AWOL), or an unauthorised absence. It is when an employee does not turn up to work, has not given an adequate reason and has not been granted permission not to attend.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1641521896947\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should an employer immediately dismiss their employees for an unexplained absence?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, an employer should not normally immediately dismiss an employee for an unexplained absence. Instead, they should investigate it fairly, allowing the employee an opportunity to respond. This could be through the employer\u2019s disciplinary procedure. Should the employer decide to dismiss at the end of this, the employee must have a right of appeal.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"9eb4f72322\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/dismiss-employee-unexplained-absence\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"Can I Dismiss my Employee in England or Wales for an Unexplained Absence?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an employer, you may find yourself in the position of needing to end your employee&#8217;s employment with you and sometimes without notice. This is also known as dismissal.\u00a0It is important to be aware of the rules regarding employee dismissal to ensure you meet your legal obligations. If you do not, you could find yourself<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/dismiss-employee-unexplained-absence\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;Can I Dismiss my Employee in England or Wales for an Unexplained Absence?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13326,"featured_media":606,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1591,3262,1419,2941,2144,2860","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can I Dismiss an Employee for an Unexplained Absence? | LegalVision UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As an employer, you may find yourself wanting to dismiss an employee for an unexplained absence. 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Prior to her freelance writing work, Clare worked for UK central government in policy and communication roles. She has also run her own businesses where she founded a magazine and was editor-in-chief. She is currently studying part-time towards a PhD predominantly in international public law. Qualifications: PhD, Human Rights Law (underway), University of Bedfordshire, Post graduate diploma, Law, Middlesex University.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/ms-clare-susannah-f-4a243545\/"],"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/clarefarmer\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/employment\/dismiss-employee-unexplained-absence\/#faq-question-1641521876599","name":"What is an unexplained absence?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"An unexplained absence can be termed an unplanned absence, absent without permission, absent without leave (AWOL), or an unauthorised absence. 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