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Marian outlined the importance of the line manager’s
role in improving attendance levels amongst their staff and
encouraged them to take a Risk Assessment approach to absence
management.
Barbara Dahill, Senior Risk Consultant with Marsh Ltd, gave
an in-depth presentation on the topic of Stress in the Workplace,
how this can be recognised in yourself and others and how
it can be managed.
Barbara also briefed managers on the upcoming SELB Stress
Audit, and emphasised the importance of line managers promoting
the survey and encouraging as high a response rate as possible.
This will ensure that future action plans and activities will
be relevant and directed to the areas of greatest need.
Siobhan Donnelly, a partner in the firm of solicitors - Donnelly
& Kinder, addressed the topic of absence management and
employment law. Siobhan touched on topics such as The Human
Rights Act, the Disability Discrimination Act, the employer’s
duty of care and the duty to consider reasonable adjustments
in the workplace to allow employees who have a disability
fulfil their potential at work. Siobhan also gave guidance
on how employers should support employees returning to work
after an absence due to ill health. Siobhan’s presentation
was supported by examples of relevant case law from tribunals
and court hearings in Northern Ireland.
The final speaker of the day was Dr Philip McCrea, an accredited
specialist in Occupational Health. Philip explained the role
of the Occupational Health Consultant and gave particular
attention to the independent medical examination (IME). Philip
outlined the mutual employer/employee benefits of the referral
for an IME, and the role of the GP's certificate when managing
attendance matters.
Mrs McClenaghan, SELB Chief Executive, closed the seminar
by expressing her gratitude to all the speakers for giving
guidance on what is a very difficult and sensitive area for
managers to deal with. Mrs McClenaghan, whilst acknowledging
that for the majority of staff, levels of attendance are very
good, emphasised that there is still some work to be done
in reducing levels of absenteeism. This could be best achieved
through effective line management skills and the creation
of an attendance culture.
Feedback from the event was extremely positive with attendees
expressing their appreciation in having the topic well covered
and with the provision of quality guidance and advice. All
attendees agreed that there should be greater awareness of
the Attendance Policy amongst staff and have been tasked with
ensuring that staff are made aware of the policy and that
the learning gained from the event will be put to practical
use.
SELB Chief Executive Helen McClenaghan is pictured with Dr
Philip McCrea - a speaker at the Practical Absence Management
seminar - and Marian Ferguson, SELB Welfare Services Manager.
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