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Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template

Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template

£7.90

Our Unauthorised Absence First Reminder Letter template helps address unexplained absences and prompts employee communication.

If an employee is absent from work and has not made contact, send this unauthorised absence first reminder model template to ask them to get in touch.

Document

Access 12 months (includes updates)
Coverage UK-specific accuracy
Length 85 words · 1 page
Last updated 21/01/2026
Formats Word · text · email
Delivery Instant download

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Email

[Sender name]

[Sender address]

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

Unauthorised absence

You have been absent from work since [date], but have not made contact with your line manager or [name | the HR department] to inform

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Use

The Unauthorised Absence First Reminder Letter serves as a formal communication tool to address instances of unauthorised employee absence from work. This letter is designed to remind employees about their responsibility to adhere to attendance policies and procedures, and to prompt them to provide an explanation for their absence. By sending this letter, the company aims to initiate a proactive approach to attendance management, foster accountability among employees, and encourage timely communication to resolve unauthorised absence issues.

Workflow

Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template, to understand the workflow.

Previous
Guides
Managers guide to managing an AWOL employee

Our Guide to managing an AWOL employee streamlines handling sudden absences, promoting operational continuity and employee accountability.

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Unauthorised absence first reminder letter
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Letters
Unauthorised absence second reminder letter

Our Unauthorised Absence Second Reminder Letter template helps address AWOL employees who haven't responded to previous notices, guiding appropriate action.

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Timing

Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:

Step Description Responsibility Timing
1 Identify the unauthorised absence of the employee and lack of contact. HR After absence period
2 Review previous communication, such as the initial absence notification and any attempts to contact the employee. Attempt to contact by phone if not already. HR Before sending
3 Prepare the Unauthorised Absence First Reminder Letter. Clearly state the unauthorised absence, the lack of contact, and the need for communication. HR Before sending
4 Send the letter to the employee's registered address via certified mail, emphasising the urgency of making contact. HR As soon as prepared
5 Maintain a copy of the sent letter and related documentation for record-keeping purposes. HR After sending letter
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Example

Scenario

ABC Limited, a UK-based company, faces a situation where an employee has been absent from work without authorisation. HR Manager Sarah needs to issue a first reminder letter to the employee to address the unauthorised absence and remind them of the company's policies and procedures regarding attendance.

Initial Response

Sarah reviews the company's attendance policies and the employee's absence records to confirm that the absence was unauthorised. She considers any extenuating circumstances and ensures that proper documentation is in place before issuing the reminder letter.

Drafting the Letter

Sarah carefully drafts an unauthorised absence first reminder letter, ensuring it is clear, professional, and compliant with employment law. The letter should address the specific details of the unauthorised absence, remind the employee of the company's attendance policies, and outline any consequences for future misconduct.

Content of the Letter

The unauthorised absence first reminder letter informs the employee of the unauthorised absence and expresses concern about their failure to adhere to company policies. It reminds the employee of the importance of regular attendance and emphasises the impact of unauthorised absences on their colleagues and the company's operations. The letter also provides guidance on how to report absences properly and encourages the employee to communicate any issues or concerns that may affect their attendance in the future.

Sending the Letter

Once the letter is finalised, Sarah sends it to the employee via email or post, ensuring timely delivery. She maintains a record of the letter and any correspondence related to the unauthorised absence for documentation purposes.

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Legal Insights

Compliance

This Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:

When addressing unauthorised absences, our Unauthorised Absence First Reminder Letter template aligns with key UK employment legislation:

  • Employment Rights Act 1996: Governs employee rights and obligations, including attendance and absence policies.

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, which can be affected by unauthorised absences.

  • Company's Absence Management Policy: Establishes procedures and guidelines for managing employee absences, including reminders and communication protocols.

  • Equality Act 2010: Ensures fair and equal treatment of employees during absence management processes.

  • Data Protection Act 2018: Dictates how employee absence data is handled and protected, particularly in communication related to unauthorised absence reminders.

UK employment law guidance for Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this in my small business?

Yes. The Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.

Is it compliant with 2026 UK employment law?

Absolutely. As with the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template, all of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.

Can I customise it for my organisation?

Yes, we highlight the areas of the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.

Do I get instant access to it?

Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.

What if I need more help, not just this template?

If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.

Why should I use this Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template, and not AI to generate it?

The risk of using a free AI-generated template 'without review' includes your legal exposure, missing context, and no awareness of the wider process, whereas purchasing the Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template from us mitigates that risk.

The Unauthorised absence first reminder letter template is also included in these bundles:

Absence and attendance toolkit Absence and attendance toolkit 30 templates
£34.90

Management library Management library 462 templates
£79.90

Full library Full library 767 templates
£99.90

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