Automata operates a special leave policy for elective surgery, that is, surgery that is at the patient’s choice as opposed to urgent or emergency surgery. This special leave is granted subject to staff being able to cover the period of absence.

It is Automata’s policy to grant up to 5 days paid leave in any single year to an employee who wishes to undergo elective surgery. The paid leave will be paid at the employee’s normal rate of basic pay.

There is a minimum qualification period of 6 months if an employee wishes to take advantage of the policy.

If an employee does wish to apply for this special leave for elective surgery, the following procedure will apply:

  1. the employee should inform the relevant line manager of the planned elective surgery and discuss the implications of the planned absences
  2. the employee should provide a statement from a medical practitioner confirming that elective surgery is to take place and the likely date of return
  3. the employee will be informed in writing of the business approval to this leave
  4. the employee will provide 4 weeks notice of the date on which the surgery will be carried out
  5. the line manager will carry out a return-to-work interview with the employee when they come back to work after the surgery.

The information disclosed to the line manager will be treated as strictly confidential. The actual reasons for the employee’s absence from work will only be disclosed to a third party with that employee’s consent.

If there are problems with or after the surgery then, upon receipt of the appropriate certificate, the employee will be treated in accordance with the company’s sickness absence procedure.

Any inappropriate action or jokes made about the surgery or its effect on the employee’s return to work will be dealt with in accordance with the company’s harassment policy.

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