Solving Sickness and Performance Problems

Solving Sickness and Performance Problems Resource Hub

Our Employment Law and HR experts have compiled some useful free resources to help you put our advice into action.

Useful guides

Guide

6-Step Guide to Performance Management

Guide

Definitive Employer's Guide to Managing Sickness Absence

Guide

Dismissing Employees Who Pull Frequent Sickies

Template documents

Performance Management Flowchart

If performance issues stem from a mental or physical health condition, there’s a different process you need to follow, otherwise disability discrimination claims (where compensation is uncapped) may follow. This handy flowchart highlights the best process dependent on the circumstances.

Template Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)

Following a meeting a meeting at which underperformance is discussed and the employee is given the opportunity to have their say, we recommend that the first stage of a formal procedure should be the issuing of a PIP. Use this template to create a solid performance improvement plan which clearly sets out the timescale, targets, measures and feedback.

Letter to Employees on Long-Term Sick Leave Regarding Holidays

Use this template letter for employees on long-term sick leave to inform them of their outstanding holiday allowance, and their options for carrying over untaken leave.

Blog

‘Picking on’ or performance managing? How to address grievances from ‘sensitive’ staff

Blog

6 key ingredients of a solid sickness absence policy

Blog

Cost of doing business crisis | Moving forward with staff on long-term sick leave

Google Rating

4.7

Based on 158 reviews

WorkNest

4.7

M “MH” H

14:32 12 Mar 26

Felt they only had employees interests in consideration. Didn’t know offer much help to my company on a number of occasions. Very vague emails from the team without guidance.

Sebastian-Puiu Prisecaru

21:14 09 Feb 26

”I had an incredibly disappointing experience here today. The staff member I dealt with was beyond unprofessional—their attitude and the way they spoke to me were completely unacceptable. It’s honestly some of the worst treatment I’ve ever received as a customer. Avoid if you expect basic respect.”

MAG Laundry

16:13 17 Nov 25

As a new client our experience with WorkNest has been fantastic – quick, attentive and on hand to support us with any HR and H&S needs. Kas M has been a super star from day one!

Sarah Ashton

09:38 08 Aug 25

Couldn’t get through to their advice line despite promises from sales. Didn’t deal with my query and nearly ended up in tribunal.

Pops Pops

09:17 21 May 25

Used these through an add that come with a policy i held at the time. The solicitor i had was sarah marten. I felt like she genuinely couldn’t give a shit about whether I won or lost. After explaining everything and how detrimental this was going to be. She never fought my case and in fact felt like she was putting me on trial when she was meant to be working/defending for me. The company that did back me did everything in their power to help me and it worked. Never even got to court. They git the claimant to settle for far far less than she wanted. I would never ever use work nest again. If your case doesn’t work for them, then your on your own. I’m appalled looking back on how I was treated compared to the the company that got me the result i needed.

Justin James

04:47 15 Apr 25

Terrible service. Made it way to complicated for us to use as a small business, we ended up figuring our our own redundancies. Locking small companies in for a minimum 3 years is only good for them. Businesses change constantly, we scale up and scale down as many other great business do. Not these guys. BEWARE!

Wenda Malca Alvarez

09:21 28 Mar 25

It is amazing, very professional and educational.

Natasha Harrison

20:55 14 Mar 25

I made an enquiry late on a Friday night needing some urgent HR advice, Ben Cuncarr rang me that evening and has been nothing but helpful since.He came out and saw me the following Tuesday and got me signed upto worknest he has given me the best advice and been there to assist since I first spoke to him.He is so professional and helpful, The best HR advice I’ve ever received and definitely what my business needs.Thanks so much for all your help Ben

S. Taylor

12:58 03 Feb 25

Ben Cuncarr at WorkNest has been fantastic—his knowledge, honesty, and professionalism made a great impression from the start. He provided clear and practical advice, demonstrating a deep understanding of HR support tailored to our business needs.Trust is vital when choosing an HR partner, and Ben’s approach reassured me that WorkNest is the right choice.This was just the sales stage, but if the rest of the journey is anything like this, I have no doubt we’ll be in excellent hands. I’d highly recommend WorkNest to any business looking for reliable and expert HR support.

Iqbal Ahmed

09:29 10 Jan 25

Recently signed up with worknest, Ben (sales) was brilliant really efficient from day one and was at hand to answer any queries we had. The on-boarding process is really quick and the essential HR support is really good, response time with queries is same day. As an SME company this is working well for us, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Worknest if your looking for HR related support.Recovery Support Limited

Ismail Akbas

11:12 22 Nov 24

I wanted to express my dissatisfaction regarding the meeting today and the communication I received from your team. During my call, I was very clear that I was only interested in a one-off visit for Health & Safety support. However, I was informed today that your service would require a minimum commitment of one year, despite assurances during our call that a one-off visit was possible.It is extremely unprofessional to mislead clients in this manner, and waste their time, and I am disappointed that the information provided was not truthful or aligned with what was discussed.

Сергей Лисин

18:57 05 Jun 24

Ищет все, а что надо не находит

Interlink RCT

14:07 27 Jun 23

The worst company ever – worse service I have come across in over 30 years of receiving HR support. Do not use this company.

Mark P

15:06 28 Mar 23

We would not recommend WorkNest. The advice is professional but eliciting a response or trying to get through to anyone simply takes days. Our business cant wait this long.

Heather Peel

10:12 16 Feb 23

Collete did a really thorough review of a new premises, her comments were practical, reasonable and very informative. There was no feeling of judgement on the visit, she was purely there to support us in our health and safety practices.

mathew wistanley

14:32 01 Feb 23

Fantastic experience here at Worknest had a fantastic tutor who was active in the field honestly feel so comfortable with recruitment now after the day of training. Truly an asset to the place well done.

lee Woodward

17:01 28 Nov 22

I find WorkNest a very easy H&S auditor to work with, they offer us great support, keep us up to date with the latest changes.

Carole Giles

10:37 23 Nov 22

my request was dealt with very quickly and efficiently , the issue was resolved immediately.

m g

21:51 22 Nov 22

Stuart was extremely thorough and patient. He spent time discussing health and safety information that I wanted further understanding on.His manner is approachable and transparent. His approach is helpful, considerate and very supportive.Stuart doesn’t dictate and is happy to highlight the areas that you have done well in & not just point out the areas that require improving.Trusting and knowledgeable – very happy to have Stuart supporting our venue and team.

Jenny Atkin

17:26 21 Nov 22

I have had dealings with a number of representatives from Worknest. They have all been polite,friendly & knowledgeable.

Gilbert Kamgang

09:26 11 Nov 22

Quick and clear response .

Tony Partridge

11:18 07 Nov 22

A very professional approach – Easy to deal with.Peace of mind with their guidance.

Teresa Kalista

10:21 04 Nov 22

Karl Offord

09:07 20 Oct 22

Colin is always very informative & knowledgeable……donuts are great too!!

Mummy Moore

11:50 06 Oct 22

Very helpful every time i phone, good advice and support

Elaine Priest

13:42 19 Jul 22

Very professional, helpful & friendly. Easy to talk to and get the correct information required.

Stef Thomas

09:31 18 Jul 22

Fantastic seminar and very informative 👏

Sharron Brown

09:23 13 Jul 22

Great service, very knowledgeable and helpful.

EA-RS Group

09:24 16 Jun 22

Mark Hendry

10:07 31 May 22

Taylor Road Primary School has just had it’s first H&S Audit with WorkNest. Andy Hooke is our H&S consultant. Andy was very professional, knowledgeable and fair in all aspects of the Audit and spent two days at the school working with me and talking to all staff. I look forward to working with Andy and WorkNest in the future to help improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing in our school. Mark Hendry, Site Manager

iain fleming

22:34 16 May 22

Paul Wetherfield

09:08 11 May 22

Lisa Parry

08:09 09 May 22

What a productive meeting with Kelvin. Very knowledgeable and a big help. A pleasure to work with

Nikki Knapp

14:19 29 Mar 22

Wojtek Z

17:58 15 Mar 22

Really rustic place. I love it.

Peter Trenholme

10:05 03 Mar 22

Great service and very thorough. The Worknest team are quick to respond and make our day to day so much more efficient. Thoroughly recomend.

Steve Brooks

21:24 30 Jan 22

WorkNest have done more than it said on the can. They have been very responsive and provided outstanding specialist advice in relation to our school H&S policy review and legionella action plan,

David Johnston

19:10 28 Jan 22

Thank you Helen – 5.55pm you took my call on a Friday and gave over and above – you all work such long hours!

Bridget MacPherson

13:23 28 Jan 22

A relatively new customer to WorkNest, but very soon became invaluable for support in both HR and H&S. We receive fantastic, personalised help at point of contact. Never a delay on our request for information and help. The online resource centre and live access to the HR and H&S portals have made our work lives so much easier and gives us the confidence in our day to day. WorkNest our ‘trusted’ go-to!

Dave Pascoe

11:38 27 Jan 22

A very easy site to navigate and very informative

John Delahunty

09:06 27 Jan 22

Very timely and progressed without fuss.

Lee Price

15:18 26 Jan 22

As always Simon demonstrated excellent knowledge and provided us with excellent service & professional standards.

Kevin Bowers

14:31 26 Jan 22

Great service & attention to detail

Beverley Trow

13:03 26 Jan 22

WorkNest is a professional company, a good work ethic, with friendly and knowledgeable staff

Helen Hampton Trust

13:00 26 Jan 22

Michelle is very helpful and always happy to share new ways to maximise health and safety within our Charity. A safe pair of hands to assist us. Thank you.

St Winefrides

11:21 26 Jan 22

Robert west

11:18 26 Jan 22

Ref. Jan Hallas Excellent, helpful, patient, friendly etc. etc. Always has time to hear the full extent of the issue and then offer pragmatic and sensible solutions. Thanks, Rob West, MD – Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd

ST WX

10:29 26 Jan 22

Prompt and helpful response

Nicol Nightingale

10:28 26 Jan 22

Really helpful staff and always able to find the information and answers we need with their help and support.

Lisa Brewer

10:25 26 Jan 22

I have worked with WorkNest for a number of years and consider them an extension to our own People Services team; providing supportive, detailed and expert advice on all employment law matters and would highly recommend their services to both small and large businesses.

Gary Carvosso

10:19 26 Jan 22

David’s guidance has been essential in bringing resolution to complex HR issues and ultimately peace of mind.

Stephen Brooks

10:08 21 May 21

We have received a very professional service , in a timely manner. The personal consultant assigned to our school has given great support and detailed responses to Health and Safety/Compliant issues.

CityStore Self Storage

11:11 19 May 21

We have used Ellis Whitham for well over 20+ years, 12 years with “CityStore Self Storage” as well as many years before with our previous business “KeepSafe Self Storage”. Primarily we use Ellis Whittam for our HR support as well as our annual H&S compliance reviews at each of our self storage sites. We have recommended them to many others and they are widely known and used within the Self Storage industry. Their online portals makes accessing, updating or sharing any reports or data very easy. The HR teams are especially good at what they do and really do help and offer great advice.

Josh B

06:46 19 May 21

Rob was professional but friendly during his visit and was able to point me in the right directions about certain health and safety matters that I was not sure about. Compared with another H&S Auditor from a different company, Rob took a more relaxed approach which works better for me personally. Recommended.

Elisabeth Greensmith

14:52 18 May 21

Very helpful and always explain information well .

Alison John

12:20 18 May 21

Excellent service; would certainly recommend.

Matt Berry

12:18 18 May 21

Call answered quickly even in these challenging times. Advice from Nick was clear and he was also quick to provide further details via email.

Laura Walker

12:13 18 May 21

Visibility Scotland always receive 100% excellent services from Ellis Whittam. We cannot praise this service enough. Our staff have also enjoyed the on-line training, too.

Boatlane Court

11:17 18 May 21

Stuart was helpful and supportive during his visit. This helps the Court and myself make continual improvements.

Ashley Morris

10:19 18 May 21

Ellis Whittam looks after our Employment Law, HR and our Health & Safety Support.We continue to be impressed with their professional service, knowledge of the changes in the UK law and the accuracy in the information supplied.

Helen Cleary

09:33 18 May 21

Good quality advice and service. Friendly and Helpful assistance covering HR and H & S issues. The response to emailed enquiries is timely and it is unusual for there not to be anyone available to talk through issues on the telephone. In comparison to previous HR support, though this is not a cheap option it is a huge improvement.

duncanfergusson mcneil

11:49 01 Feb 21

Very efficent and advice excellent. Return calls and ‘e’ mail response exceptional.

Anita Crossley

11:07 01 Feb 21

Phil Barr

22:48 21 Jan 21

Excellent support always.

Chewe B Mwense

12:40 21 Jan 21

Excellent service!

Tina Howard

12:30 21 Jan 21

Great service. Very prompt to respond to client requests.

Annette Bird

12:24 21 Jan 21

professional and experienced.

John Davey

12:14 21 Jan 21

Great Team, friendly, supportive, effective and will hold your hand through what is a stressful and difficult process in your business

School Office

12:13 21 Jan 21

Simon’s support has been invaluable in dealing with this matter, he has guided and advised us, and has responded to all our concerns and queries on the matter, both efficiently and promptly.

Kate Bell

20:59 23 Nov 20

Ellis Whittam are an asset to this one-man team and have won the trust of the wider organisation. We work with Jim Stowe who has a great approach and is a trusted partner.

Flip Edwards

08:52 23 Nov 20

Our contact is always at the end of the phone, easy to talk to and fast response to problems. He is our “go to” as soon as we have an employment problem. Thank you Richard

IAN HABBEN

17:20 22 Nov 20

Great service, help and advice fro Helen Woodward. Thank you Helen

Monica Hardman

10:28 21 Nov 20

Great service as always when I recently rang in with a problem…..

Kate Voyce

17:31 19 Nov 20

Supreme are an excellent IT support company providing up to date and reliable IT back up services.

ADONIS FARANTOURIS

12:51 19 Nov 20

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering

12:49 19 Nov 20

Deinmar has been very supportive and got back to me straight away with the guidance I asked for. We now feel confident that we have a secure centre to allow our clients to return.

Sylvia Simpson

11:44 19 Nov 20

Angela Cholet

11:37 19 Nov 20

Responded promptly and identified what was needed

Sarah Hashmi

11:28 19 Nov 20

Ross Macdonald

11:21 19 Nov 20

We use the services of Ellis Whittam for our HR issues and find the service to be excellent. During the current pandemic it has been crucial to keep abreast of employment requirements and for us David Eastwood has been critical in our attempts to steer a path through the legal minefield that has developed.

Lorraine Bremner McBride

11:20 19 Nov 20

Professional, helpful and so quick to get back to queries. Would highly recommend for HR and H&S requirements whatever the size of business. Gail was excellent and a great ambassador for EW.

chris c

11:18 19 Nov 20

I can recommend Ellis Whittam for all HR related needs, always great to work with, responce times are exceptionally fast with expert advise.They are certainely professional in all aspects

Care Afloat

11:17 19 Nov 20

We have used Ellis Whittam for legal and H&S advice for some considerable time now. We have always found them to be extremely helpful, understanding of our business needs as well as very personal and responsive and consistent. We highly recommend them to other companies in need of such services.

Barry Fox

11:17 19 Nov 20

As always Gary Stoker is so supportive, even in these difficult times…thanks Gary appreciate it. lets not forget the other level of superb services offered by Ellis Whittam.

Mat Mellor

11:11 19 Nov 20

Celia Yeates

11:07 19 Nov 20

Helen went above and beyond to call me back after her shift should have finished, your assistance and dedication is much appreciated.

Adrian France

11:06 19 Nov 20

Very helpful, thanks Luke!

Nadiya Karp

11:03 19 Nov 20

Absolutely happy with Lee Edwards service . H&S support level simply outstanding . Look forward to our follow up meeting

Richard Szymanski

11:02 19 Nov 20

Ellis Whittam have provided us with solid HR and Health and Safety support for many years. Their service is outstanding and very professional. They work closely with us ensuring the services they offer are tailor made to suit our business.Richard Szymanski,Operations manager,Metcalfe Catering Equipment Ltd.

David Evans

11:01 19 Nov 20

Excellent, professional service

Lauren Jeffries

11:05 13 Nov 20

Fantastic service really supportive and throughout the Coronavirus pandemic they have provided lots of really useful documents that can apply to all businesses. Rarely have to use them but when I do, just the support you need.

James Walley

16:27 15 Oct 20

Josie Winchcombe

09:51 02 Apr 20

We have used the services of Ellis Whittam for over 4 years. They provide a number of online resources but it is the personal touch which is proving invaluable particularly at the moment. I know that Toyah is there to assist and guide me in the decisions I have to make.

Aylia Atherley

08:53 02 Apr 20

During these difficult times Ellis Whittam continues to deliver a fast-reliable service, being very supportive and providing sound advice when needed.

Frog Diamond Drilling

13:56 31 Mar 20

Peter Lorimer

09:46 31 Mar 20

Thanks for calm conversation on what must be a very busy day for you.

sarah young

14:59 30 Mar 20

Great advice. Easy to talk to.

Bernard Starkmann

14:01 30 Mar 20

Toyah was very helpful and surprisingly energetic and enthusiastic considering what you all must be going through with a massive spike in furlough and other enquiries. Many thanks! Your service and staff commitment is massively appreciated, not only now, but always! Bernard Starkmann

hilary evans

13:57 27 Mar 20

Most professional and very helpful. Thankyou

Deb kemp

13:00 27 Mar 20

Jack was Very helpful – Thank you

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Solutions for teams of all sizes

Latest news & insights