Sickness absence during probation can affect how much time the department has to assess you. It may lead to absence reviews, Occupational Health, adjustments or an extension, but absence should not automatically be treated as proof that you cannot pass probation.
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How sickness can affect probation
Short or long absences may reduce observed work, delay training or trigger attendance procedures. The department may extend probation to create a fair assessment period. Check the probation and sickness policies because separate processes may run together.
Report and certify absence correctly
Follow the department notification rules, provide fit notes where required and keep copies. Failure to report correctly can create a conduct issue separate from the sickness itself.
When disability may be relevant
Some health conditions meet the Equality Act definition of disability. The department may need to consider reasonable adjustments to work, review arrangements, absence triggers or the probation process. A diagnosis alone does not decide the issue; explain the work impact and support needed.
Unlock the detailed sickness-and-probation plan below, including how to prepare for absence reviews, request Occupational Health, secure workable adjustments and challenge an extension or failure decision that treats health evidence unfairly.
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