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Teacher sickness linked to disability

Can anyone advise what they would do in this situation.

An academy has recently taken on a teacher to cover a period of long term absence. Within a few weeks of working this person has gone off sick linked to a disability. 

The academy were not aware this lady had a disability however it appears that she may now be absent from work for the length of her contract (as she is covering a period of absence). 

Is there anything the school can do aside from support this person?

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  • Hi and welcome Claire

    Would get professional medical reports re likelihood of ever being capable of providing cover and assuming this is high, convene formal hearing(s) to assess future capability for cover. Balance at the hearing your employers great need for cover with reasonable adjustments for the disability and assuming there’s little or no contest then consider what’s to be done and if only reasonable option is a capability dismissal then dismiss with due notice / right to appeal. If you do all this, dismissal may well be fair and lawful.
  • In reply to David:

    Hi David,
    Thank you for the response. I agree with your suggestions, much appreciated
    Claire