I have an employee who hasn't shown up for work for 4 weeks....

[Michael_]

No contact. As she's been unsatisfactory i'd like to dismiss her. She has worked for more than 24 months. I want to avoid an unfair dismissal actions from her. What should I do? Advice plz.

 

[Newchodge]

What you should have done the forst day she did not show up for work. CONTACT HER

 

[HFE Signs]

When you say 'No Contact', do you mean absolutely nothing, no ring in, no doctors note no nothing? If so, you need to call her and if no answer call her emergency contact, I would have done that after 1 day with no contact. Before you decide your next move, you need to gather some information around why she isn't at work.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Do you have Business Insurance? If so, check as some include Legal Advice and expenses cover, including support on employee dismissal - follow their advice to minimise the chance of an unfair dismissal claim.

 

[Lisa Thomas]

Have you done a wellness check...?!

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

No contact. As she's been unsatisfactory i'd like to dismiss her. She has worked for more than 24 months. I want to avoid an unfair dismissal actions from her. What should I do? Advice plz.

What action have you taken in the last four weeks in relation to her absence?

 

[Thomas Mackay]

Hi there,

It sounds like a frustrating situation — especially when an employee has been absent without contact for such an extended period. Before you move to dismissal, it's crucial to document everything and ensure you've taken all reasonable steps to establish contact and follow a fair process. This helps reduce the risk of an unfair dismissal claim.

If you're unsure of the employee’s circumstances, or suspect there may be misconduct or fraudulent behaviour (such as working elsewhere while claiming sick leave), hiring a professional private investigator can help uncover the facts discreetly and lawfully.

 

[Newchodge]

Hi there,

It sounds like a frustrating situation — especially when an employee has been absent without contact for such an extended period. Before you move to dismissal, it's crucial to document everything and ensure you've taken all reasonable steps to establish contact and follow a fair process. This helps reduce the risk of an unfair dismissal claim.

If you're unsure of the employee’s circumstances, or suspect there may be misconduct or fraudulent behaviour (such as working elsewhere while claiming sick leave), hiring a professional private investigator can help uncover the facts discreetly and lawfully.

Except, of course, working elsewhere while on sick leave is perfectly legal.

 

[WaveJumper]

I agree with a lot of what has already be said above for me the key here have you undertaken everything to assure this person's well-being:

You never know - as an example I had a security manager he went off on his holiday no issue there until he didn't return, then an unbelievable set of circumstances unfolded. He was due to get engaged turned out his family were dead set against this (religion, colour etc etc) he had gone on holiday to his native country and in fact had then been kidnaped by family and they were holding him against his will.

So if it wasn't for the "wellness checks" speaking to his girl friend etc we would never have known. I continued to pay him so he would have funds in his band account if needed, the police were involved, the consulate in the country involved, it took us over six months but we got him back.

Not saying your case is anything as dramatic as this - but please do check on their welfare before writing them off - you just never know.

And document everything

 

[Chris Ashdown]

I agree with a lot of what has already be said above for me the key here have you undertaken everything to assure this person's well-being:

You never know - as an example I had a security manager he went off on his holiday no issue there until he didn't return, then an unbelievable set of circumstances unfolded. He was due to get engaged turned out his family were dead set against this (religion, colour etc etc) he had gone on holiday to his native country and in fact had then been kidnaped by family and they were holding him against his will.

So if it wasn't for the "wellness checks" speaking to his girl friend etc we would never have known. I continued to pay him so he would have funds in his band account if needed, the police were involved, the consulate in the country involved, it took us over six months but we got him back.

Not saying your case is anything as dramatic as this - but please do check on their welfare before writing them off - you just never know.

And document everything

As a old guy having spent years working around Africa especially west Africa , I am afraid that sounds like a con rather than fact, could be wrong but doubtful

 

[Newchodge]

As a old guy having spent years working around Africa especially west Africa , I am afraid that sounds like a con rather than fact, could be wrong but doubtful

Why do you think this is Africa?

 

[WaveJumper]

It wasn't Africa