I recently received an instruction from an employer client who was concerned that a number of its employees were regularly ‘pulling sickies’ and that they did not know how to manage the situation. ‘Pulling a sickie’ is not a new issue for employers, perhaps best highlighted by the fact that 1st February of each year has been coined National Sickie Day. However, whilst it is not a new issue, it is an issue that must be handled with reasonable care and procedurally correctly.

In light of the easing of lockdown restrictions and the vaccine rollout, people will be beginning to see progress toward a transition to normalcy, albeit no doubt with a degree of apprehension and hesitation. With a return to normalcy, businesses will be keen to balance a potential increase in activity with a desire for its employees to take some well-earned holiday leave.

We are delighted to announce that Hallett & Co have joined forces with Sittingbourne firm FordLittle, with effect from 1 October 2021. As part of the agreement, Giles Ford, previously of FordLittle, will become a partner in the merged form and continue to run the Sittingbourne office.