Small businesses wanting to better manage absenteeism now have a free online resource to help them, courtesy of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas).

In 2003 the cost of absenteeism was estimated as £11.6 billion with a massive 176 million working days lost, according to the CBI’s labour and absence survey.

The course covers topics such as unplanned/unauthorised absence, handling a long-term absence, developing an absence policy and procedures, recognising patterns of absence, handling frequent and persistent absenteeism.

Using the package, small firms can set up procedures to suit their own organisation or revisit the website at any time for practical advice and information when dealing with a real absence issue.

Acas believes it is essential to have an overall approach to deal with absence so that you can monitor and control it. This demonstrates your commitment to your employees, that you care about them and are interested in their welfare.

In order to develop such an approach, you may find that significant organisational or procedural changes are needed. But when you have policies that help to maintain both good working conditions and the employees’ motivation to attend work, you should find that absence levels are reduced.

Rita Donaghy, Acas Chair, said, “Handling absence in the workplace can often be daunting. This online learning package will help employers develop appropriate polices and procedures to get it right.”