Letter Requesting Sick Leave

This is a letter requesting sick leave from work. The primary purpose of this document is for an employee to formally communicate their need for sick leave to their employer. While it's not uncommon for employees to make verbal requests for sick leave, some employers may require them to be in writing. Even if verbal approval has been granted, it's beneficial to have the request in writing to prevent any misunderstandings later.

This letter can be used whether it's an initial request to the employer or a follow-up to a verbal request. It's suitable for a variety of scenarios, such as when the employee has already taken sick leave or when the leave request is outside standard company policy.

This letter is not designed for use by an employee who is seeking parental leave. For that situation, refer to our Letter Requesting Parental Leave.

How to use this document

Before preparing this letter, it is a good idea to check the relevant employment documents such as the Employment Agreement and Employee Handbook. These documents usually include some details about sick leave entitlements and how to manage sick leave.

If the employee has already discussed the sick leave verbally with their employer, this letter can be used to record the details of what has been agreed. Details such as the start date and expected end date of the sick leave, and any arrangements for the management of the employee's work during their absence, can be included. This provides the employer with a written record to refer back to.

If the employee has not yet discussed the sick leave with their employer, this letter can be used to outline the employee's situation and the reasons for their request. The employee may also suggest how their work could be handled during their absence.

Once completed, the letter can be printed, signed, and handed to a supervisor, or it could be downloaded and attached to an email.

Applicable law

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the National Employment Standards apply to most employment situations in Australia and provide minimum conditions for personal/sick leave.

Additional conditions may also be laid out in modern awards or enterprise agreements that apply to the employee's workplace.

Furthermore, general principles of contract law, as provided by the common law, will also apply to any employment contract.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.