The entitlement to paid sick absence is discretionary under the terms of the BBC Sickness Absence Procedure. It is important that the Procedure is applied fairly and therefore managers are required to take account of the following principles.

• All staff who are absent due to sickness can expect to receive the entitlement to paid sickness absence set down in the Agreed Statement unless they fail to fulfil the requirements of the procedure or undermine the integrity of the Scheme.
• There are circumstances in which managers may wish to extend paid sickness absence beyond the limits set down in the Agreed Statement. When extending paid sickness absence managers should take into account factors such as:
  • the individual's length of service;
  • the individual's previous sickness absence history;
  • the nature of the sickness absence eg. one block or intermittent absence;
  • the nature and severity of the sickness may justify special consideration;
  • the available medical advice;
  • the forecast date of return to work;
  • a pattern of frequent short absences which the BBC doctor advises is not part of an underlying health problem;
  • does a permanent incapacity exist which is best managed outside the sick pay scheme;
  • is it appropriate to manage the sickness under a different procedure eg. alcohol dependency;
  • failure of the individual to keep their manager up to date with the progress of the sickness or injury.

• Where paid sickness absence is extended beyond the limits of the Agreed Statement it should be for a defined period of time and where appropriate there should be provision for a management review no less than 2 weeks before the end of the time period.
• The manager should keep in regular communication with employees who are absent due to sickness. The individual should be informed when they reach the limit of their entitlement to paid sickness absence under the Agreed Statement and the conditions applying to any extension of paid sickness absence. Individuals should be informed in good time that their paid sickness absence is to end.
• Managers must seek to apply discretion in a fair and equitable manner. If managers are in doubt they should consult with their local personnel department.