Can I be disciplined for being sick?
Mia Walsh
Updated on April 10, 2026
Beside this, can I get a disciplinary for being sick?
Pretending to be ill when you are not would be misconduct and if discovered, is likely to have disciplinary consequences. Even if all your sickness absences are genuine and certificated, you can still be given a formal warning because of high levels of sickness absence.
Subsequently, question is, can you be disciplined for being sick UK? Illness. You can be dismissed if you have a persistent or long-term illness that makes it impossible for you to do your job. Before taking any action, your employer should: look for ways to support you - for example, considering whether the job itself is making you sick and needs changing.
Likewise, can you get a disciplinary for being off sick with a doctors note?
They can do this even if your illness is genuine, and supported by a doctor's note, or even if you are better by the time of the disciplinary action. Your employer may ask for permission to approach your doctor, or ask you to see a doctor appointed by your employer for a report to be prepared on your condition.
Can you get a written warning for being sick?
Formal warnings for short-term absences
Your employer may well issue you with a first formal warning if your sickness absence level is unacceptable. The warning should set out an explanation of what improvement is required.