3 months contract with a local authority

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for ensuring employee relations matters are managed effectively, consistently, and in accordance with employment legislation, Council policies, procedures, and best practice. A key focus of the role is supporting sickness absence management, improving attendance levels, reducing organisational risk, and promoting positive employee outcomes. The postholder will manage a broad range of employee relations cases while coaching managers to build confidence and capability in people management.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

Manage short-term and long-term sickness absence cases from referral through to resolution.
Provide advice and guidance to managers on the Council's Sickness Absence Management Policy and associated procedures.
Support managers in conducting welfare meetings, absence review meetings, return-to-work discussions, and formal capability hearings.
Liaise with Occupational Health providers and advise managers on recommendations, reasonable adjustments, rehabilitation plans, and Equality Act considerations.
Monitor absence trends and support the implementation of attendance improvement plans.
Maintain accurate and confidential case records and documentation.
Manage a complex caseload of employee relations matters including:
- Disciplinary cases
- Grievances
- Capability and performance issues
- Probation reviews
- Flexible working requests
- Dignity at work matters
- Workplace conflict and conduct issues
Provide managers with clear advice regarding process, risk mitigation, and potential outcomes.

Essential Experience Required

Experience managing a wide range of complex employee relations cases independently.
Significant experience supporting sickness absence management, including long-term absence and ill-health capability cases.
Experience advising managers on employment policies, procedures, and workforce issues.
Experience working with local authorities.

Essential Qualifications Required

CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent HR qualification), or significant demonstrable experience in employee relations.
Evidence of continuous professional development in HR and employment law.

Additional Information

Working hours: 35 hours per week
Location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, Greater London, SE6 4RU, United Kingdom
Interviews will be approximately 30-40 minutes and will take place at Laurence House on 12th August. Further details to be confirmed.
Work pattern: 2 to 3 days in the office, 2 days remote.
Payment schedule: Bi-weekly
The role closes on 7th August 2026, apply ASAP.

HR Adviser