Can I be dismissed for being off work sick?

Yes, you can. Ultimately, an employer is not expected to hold your job open indefinitely. However, in order to avoid a potential claim, your employer should still do this fairly and should ensure that you are not subjected to a discriminatory dismissal because you are a disabled person:

Capability to work, which includes lack of capability due to ill health, is a potentially fair reason for dismissal.

As well as being able to show that your capability was the reason for dismissal, your employer will need to follow a fair procedure. This should include:

• The employer establishing your true medical position (typically by seeking a report from an Occupational Health specialist or other medical professional);
• Consulting with you before deciding whether to dismiss;
• Considering the availability of alternative employment in the organisation; and
• Considering reasonable adjustments to get the best out of you.

Other factors when considering fairness will include: the nature of your illness and the prospects of you returning to work; and the effect of your absence on the workplace.

Sometimes an employer may offer you a Settlement Agreement to agree the terms of an exit due to ill health. If you feel you have been dismissed unfairly or have been offered a settlement to exit, do get in contact with us.