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Long-Term Sickness Absence Letter

A completed update from an employee on prolonged sickness absence, with medical certification, a realistic return plan and proposed workplace support.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales - completed fictional worked example

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Important: This sample provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Check the law, prescribed forms and signing requirements that apply to your exact jurisdiction and circumstances before use.

# LONG-TERM SICKNESS ABSENCE LETTER

Date: 6 September 2031

Parties: Daniel Foster and Calder & Wren Accountancy Limited

## 1. Purpose and parties

Daniel Foster is a Senior Audit Manager employed by Calder & Wren Accountancy Limited at its Leeds office. He has been continuously absent since 3 February 2031 after a diagnosis of post-viral fatigue syndrome, and writes to Helen Marsh, HR Director, with a copy to his line manager Oliver Grant.

## 2. Facts, scope and terms

His GP Fit Note dated 29 August 2031 certifies that he is not fit for work until 27 September 2031, while a consultant appointment at Leeds General Infirmary is booked for 18 September 2031. Daniel reports persistent fatigue, post-exertional symptoms and reduced concentration, but does not consent to sharing a diagnosis beyond the information needed for absence management.

## 3. Process and responsibilities

Daniel expects that a return immediately to his former five-day, client-facing schedule would be unsafe. Subject to medical advice, he proposes a four-week phased return from 6 October 2031: two four-hour days in week one, three five-hour days in week two, four six-hour days in week three, and normal hours from week four, with no overnight travel during the trial.

## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards

For the first eight weeks he requests two home-working days each week, meetings capped at 45 minutes, a quiet workstation, written agendas, and a ten-minute rest break after each two-hour period. He will handle internal quality reviews before leading audits, and asks Calder & Wren to arrange an occupational-health assessment rather than treating this proposal as a fixed medical conclusion.

## 5. Review, escalation and outcome

The enclosed evidence is the Fit Note covering 30 August to 27 September 2031, the appointment confirmation, and Daniel's absence record showing company sick pay from 3 February to 30 April 2031 and Statutory Sick Pay from 1 May 2031. He asks HR to confirm the current SSP balance and benefits position in writing by 13 September 2031.

## 6. Reservations and practical protections

Daniel will attend a welfare meeting by video on 11 September 2031, keep HR informed after the specialist review, and provide a further Fit Note promptly if his condition remains incompatible with work. He asks that any capability meeting be deferred until occupational health has reported, and will cooperate with a fair review of duties, adjustments and an alternative return date.

## 7. England and Wales law and completion

This completed fictional letter is dated 6 September 2031 and does not amount to a resignation, an admission of permanent incapacity, or a waiver of rights under the Equality Act 2010, Employment Rights Act 1996 or his contract. It is governed by England and Wales law; Daniel retains a signed copy and asks Calder & Wren to acknowledge receipt by email.

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