UNDERSTANDING SICK LEAVE

May I insist on a medical certificate if an employee has been absent on a Monday, Friday, or before and after a public holiday?

Can you require a medical certificate for sick leave taken on Mondays, Fridays, or around public holidays?

Is a medical certificate from a clinic acceptable?

Are medical certificates from clinics valid for sick leave? Learn the requirements and limitations.

Are online medical consultations valid for the purposes of issuing a medical certificate?

Are medical certificates from online consultations valid for sick leave? Understand the rules and legal position.

Must I accept a medical certificate on face value or may I challenge its validity?

Find out when and how an employer can challenge the validity of a medical certificate for sick leave purposes.

May I refuse to accept medical certificates issued by certain medical practitioners?

Can employers refuse medical certificates from specific practitioners? Learn the requirements and legal risks.

What constitutes abuse of sick leave?

Learn what counts as sick leave abuse and how to address it with effective workplace policies.

May I dismiss an employee who submits a false medical certificate?

Can you dismiss an employee for a fake medical certificate? Learn the legal process and proof required.

What steps can be taken when an employee does not comply with sick leave policies?

Learn the disciplinary steps to take if an employee fails to follow sick leave policies or procedures.

What policies should be introduced to manage sick leave?

Explore effective workplace policies for managing sick leave and reducing absenteeism.

Must sick leave be covered by the contract of employment or company policy?

Should sick leave be included in contracts or policy? Learn the best approach for compliance and flexibility.

May an employee take sick leave in order to receive medical treatment for a serious condition?

Can employees use sick leave for serious medical treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis? Find out here.

When may an employer start with a medical incapacity process?

Find out when an employer can start a medical incapacity process due to frequent or long-term illness.

How does one deal with an employee who is regularly booked off for anxiety or stress related reasons?

Guidance on managing regular sick leave for anxiety or stress, respecting employee confidentiality and rights.

When may an employer insist on a medical certificate?

Learn when employers can require a medical certificate for sick leave in South Africa by law.

May an employee take sick leave because their child is ill?

Can employees use sick leave if their child is sick? Learn about family responsibility leave and options.

What happens when sick leave has been exhausted?

Find out what options are available when an employee’s paid sick leave is exhausted, including unpaid leave and UIF.

How is sick leave calculated for a fixed-term contract?

Learn how sick leave is calculated for fixed-term contract employees in South Africa, with cycle and entitlement details.

How many days paid sick leave does an employee get per year?

Understand how paid sick leave accrues for South African workers, including cycle lengths, annual entitlements, and calculations for different work schedules.

When may an employee take sick leave?

Find out the legal requirements for taking paid sick leave in South Africa, including when sick leave applies and what proof or documentation is required.