Monitor sickness absences, and if a pattern of frequent short absences emerges, interview the employee, show the attendance record, and ask for an explanation - it is possible that there is an underlying problem, such as a personality clash, or a domestic or family difficulty. You may be able to do something about the problem that could improve attendance. Require the employee to complete a self-certification form on each occasion, and make it plain that records are being kept and that the current level of absences is unacceptable. Tell the employee that their absences will continue to be monitored, and that you may take disciplinary action if their attendance record does not improve.
