8. Dismissal For Absenteeism

When dismissing for absenteeism, each dismissal must be determined on a case by case basis.

If absenteeism is repeated and occurs on a regular basis, then an employer may dismiss on these grounds. The factors an employer must consider are:

• What is in the employment contract?
• What is the employee's employment record like? If an employee normally has had a good record, this may off-set the seriousness of a lapse.
• How long has the employee been employed with the employer?
• What position does the employee hold?
• How critical is it for the employee to be at work on time?
• How many previous warnings have been given and what evidence is there of these warnings?
• Are other employee's late or regularly absent?
• Did the employee give prior notice for being late/absent?
• What are the employee's excuses for being late/absent?

The steps you should take before dismissing an employee for continued lateness/absenteeism is the standard procedure outlined previously.