The short answer
Manage long-term sickness through regular agreed contact, appropriate medical evidence, consideration of disability and reasonable adjustments, and a documented review process. Do not jump directly to dismissal. If return is not reasonably possible after support and alternatives have been considered, a fair capability process may eventually be appropriate.
What employers need to know
- Agree reasonable contact rather than losing touch or pressuring the employee.
- Seek medical or occupational-health evidence with informed consent.
- Consider whether the condition may meet the Equality Act definition of disability.
- Explore phased return, altered duties, hours, equipment, workplace changes and alternative roles.
- Keep health information confidential and restrict access.
A practical process
Review the current evidence
Understand likely duration, functional effects and what support may help.
Meet with the employee
Discuss updates, adjustments, pay, contact and realistic return options.
Trial and review support
Document adjustments and review whether they are effective.
Use a fair capability process
Only consider termination after consultation, current evidence, alternatives and the likely impact on the business.
Example
An employee recovering from surgery may return successfully through reduced hours and temporarily modified duties rather than waiting for an immediate full-time return.
When to take advice
Disability discrimination, contractual sick pay, permanent health insurance and pension rights can materially change the risk.
Frequently asked questions
Can long-term sickness lead to dismissal?
Potentially, but only after a fair capability process, current evidence, consultation, adjustments and alternatives have been considered.
How often should we contact the employee?
There is no single interval. Agree contact that is supportive, proportionate and appropriate to the condition.
Official and primary sources
General information for employers in Great Britain, not legal advice. Check current official guidance and obtain advice for your circumstances.