3 months contract with a local authority

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for ensuring employee relations matters are managed effectively, consistently, and in accordance with employment legislation, Council policies, procedures, and best practice. A key focus of the role is supporting sickness absence management, improving attendance levels, reducing organisational risk, and promoting positive employee outcomes. The postholder will manage a broad range of employee relations cases while coaching managers to build confidence and capability in people management.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Manage short-term and long-term sickness absence cases from referral through to resolution.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers on the Council's Sickness Absence Management Policy and associated procedures.
• Support managers in conducting welfare meetings, absence review meetings, return-to-work discussions, and formal capability hearings.
• Liaise with Occupational Health providers and advise managers on recommendations, reasonable adjustments, rehabilitation plans, and Equality Act considerations.
• Monitor absence trends and support the implementation of attendance improvement plans.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records and documentation.
• Manage a complex caseload of employee relations matters including:
  • Disciplinary cases
  • Grievances
  • Capability and performance issues
  • Probation reviews
  • Flexible working requests
  • Dignity at work matters
  • Workplace conflict and conduct issues
• Provide managers with clear advice regarding process, risk mitigation, and potential outcomes.