Managing Absence Training
Tackle the challenges of long-term sickness and absence with confidence. Our training helps employers manage absence lawfully and reduce legal risk.
Confidently manage sickness absence – training for HR teams and managers.
Managing absence is key to maintaining continuity, supporting employees and sustaining team morale. But when it comes to long-term sickness, many managers struggle with knowing when to intervene, what steps to take and how to strike the right balance between support and compliance.
Handled poorly, sickness absence can disrupt operations, create tension among staff and lead to costly legal claims – including unfair dismissal or disability discrimination. Inconsistent handling across teams also raises the risk of grievances and reputational harm.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we deliver managing absence training that gives HR teams and managers the legal and practical tools to act confidently and fairly. Our training is led by specialist employment law solicitors with deep experience in long-term absence, ill health and workplace adjustments.
We help employers manage sickness absence with empathy, structure and legal compliance – protecting both your organisation and your employees.
Why managing absence training is essential
Long-term sickness can be complex and emotionally charged. Without clear guidance, employers risk missteps that may trigger tribunal claims, damage morale or lead to claims of unequal treatment.
Our training enables your managers to:
- Understand their legal responsibilities and where risks lie.
- Step in early and manage absence consistently across the business.
- Balance empathy with process and protect team dynamics.
- Avoid discrimination or unfair treatment, especially where disability is a factor.
- Support affected employees while maintaining productivity.
We focus on practical steps your organisation can take to reduce absence-related disruption while improving employee experience and legal compliance.
…highly experienced and knowledgeable in complex domestic UK and International employment law matters. If you are looking for a law firm to represent domestic and complex cross-international matters, look no further than Thomas Mansfield.
Legal 500, 2025
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
What your managers will learn.
Each training session is tailored to your needs, but typically includes:
- How to manage short- and long-term absence, and when to escalate.
- Developing and applying a fair, lawful absence management policy.
- Handling sensitive health information and maintaining confidentiality.
- Supporting return-to-work processes that are safe, realistic and inclusive.
- Understanding disability-related absence and making reasonable adjustments.
- When and how to use occupational health assessments.
- Minimising legal exposure and avoiding claims of discrimination or unfair dismissal.
- Building a consistent approach that reinforces morale and avoids disputes.
Sessions include real-world examples and discussion-based learning to give managers the confidence to handle even the most sensitive situations.
Flexible delivery to suit your organisation
We offer a choice of formats to suit your needs and time constraints:
- Mini module – A focused 60–90 minute session ideal for quick upskilling.
- Half-day workshop – Practical guidance and strategies for line managers and HR.
- Full-day training – In-depth, scenario-based training with space for discussion and group work.
Training can be delivered:
- In person – At your offices or one of our locations across London and the South East.
- Online – Live and interactive sessions via video.
- Standalone or integrated – As a dedicated course or part of your wider HR or leadership programme.
We work with you to adapt each session to reflect your internal policies, structure and absence trends.
Meet our employment law partners
Why choose Thomas Mansfield Solicitors.
- Specialist employment law solicitors – With hands-on experience supporting employers through long term and sickness absence challenges.
- Legal 500 ranked and Lexcel accredited – Recognition of our quality and consistency.
- Members of the Employment Lawyers Association – Staying ahead of legal updates and best practice.
- Real-world focus – Bridging law and HR to support practical, compliant decision-making.
- Based in London and the South East – With remote delivery options wherever you are.
Let’s support your managers to manage absence effectively
Whether you’re looking to reduce long-term absence, improve consistency or protect against legal risk, we’ll tailor a training session to suit your needs.
Contact us to arrange your managing absence training and build a more resilient, compliant workplace.
Call our employment law team on 020 4579 5997 or
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Ready to train your team the right way?
Use our form or call us to speak with an experienced solicitor about training for your business or team.