How to write a compassionate, supportive, solidarity-based sickness policy

This guide from RadHR walks progressive organisations through creating a sickness policy that reflects their values rather than defaulting to mainstream HR approaches that can push unwell or disabled people out of work. It covers the relevant legal framework (including the Equality Act and the Access to Medical Reports Act), critiques standard sickness policies, and provides practical guidance on key policy elements: absence procedures, medical evidence (Fit Notes, AHP Reports, Occupational Health), sick pay (contractual and Statutory Sick Pay), supporting long-term or frequent short-term absence, and legally fair capability procedures. It is particularly useful for small charities and community organisations seeking to balance collective needs with individual care.