I have an employee aged 44 who was dignosed with Cancer over 2½ years ago. He has proceeded to take over 115 days off some in blocks of 2 weeks to 1 month and puts a sicknote in for Depression. At the moment he is currently having 1 day a week off regularly which is affecting our labour force as you can imagine. This is a site based employee in the Specialist Decorations trade. This is also having an adverse effect on our programme of works not to mention how it now looks to the rest of our workforce who are disciplined after every 4th instance of absence within a 12 month period in line with our company policy. I do not know how to proceed in this very delicate case and would appreciate any advice.

I have written requesting a meeting between ourselves to discuss the matter further only to receive a letter from I can only assume is his girlfriend or relative stating how depressed he is and that he is seeking a Psychiatrist or some community psychiatric support and that he does not currently leave his home and is also suffering severe anxiety attacks. Apparently he is aware of his periods of absence and that this adds to his feelings of hopelessness and distress. At this time he is not in a fit state to attend.
Louise Midghall