Employment law in practice: Secondments, sabbaticals, and unpaid leave

Andrew Whiteaker, and Helen Goss unpack the legal and practical considerations when employees take time away from their regular roles, from temporary secondments to unpaid sabbaticals and career breaks. 

They discuss: 

• What distinguishes a secondment from a sabbatical or unpaid leave
• Common pitfalls when employees return from extended absence
• How to avoid disputes with clear written agreements
• What happens when a role no longer exists at the end of a secondment

Later in the episode, Andy and Helen delve into the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey 2025, which reveals a sharp rise in sickness absence across UK sectors. They explore why absence levels are increasing, particularly the growing impact of mental health, the effects of hybrid and home working on sickness trends, how HR teams can manage absence more effectively through better data, communication, and manager training, and why employee wellbeing strategies need to move beyond box-ticking. 

This episode is packed with practical advice for HR professionals, business leaders, and in-house counsel looking to stay ahead of emerging employment law and people management issues.