As of February 2019, the new Hallam Help service will continue to send out class cancellation notices to students via text messages. This is generally where classes need to be cancelled at short notice – normally as a consequence of academic staff absence.

Reporting absence

If you are absent at short notice, e.g. through sickness, you should first follow the HR process to report sickness absence to your line manager. Please discuss whether your absence can be covered and agree who will be contacting Hallam Help if a class needs to be cancelled.

HR sickness absence process

An employee should personally telephone their line manager (or nominated deputy or administrator) as early as possible on the first day of absence, unless physically unable to do so. In such circumstances a family member/friend may be appropriate. In exceptional circumstances, and by prior agreement with their line manager, an employee may use e-mail for this purpose. Local procedures should be put in place for absence notification, ensuring a message is received by the appropriate person in the faculty or directorate. During this initial notification the employee should provide the following information:

• the nature of the illness
• the date they became unfit for work
• the date they expect to return to work
• whether or not the absence is the result of an injury at work (the online accident reporting system must also be filled in if the absence is the result of an injury at work)

If the employee anticipates any difficulties in following the above procedure, they must arrange an alternative method of notification, in advance, with their line manager. It is recognised that in serious cases of illness or injury it may not be possible for an employee to notify their line manager immediately of their absence.

Further information can be found here.

Thanks in advance,

Holly Stainburn
Faculty Strategic Business Partner – Health and Wellbeing
Chief Operating Officer Portfolio