Senior HR Employee Relations Advisor (Sickness Lead)

Pertemps Harrow; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks a Senior HR Employee Relations Advisor (Sickness Lead) to manage sickness absence and support complex employee relations cases. The ideal candidate will have a degree or CIPD qualification and experience in handling employee relations issues. Responsibilities include advising managers, leading absence strategies, and providing training. This hybrid position offers a pay rate of £24.81 per hour, with the opportunity for a temporary assignment that may extend beyond six months.

Qualifications

• Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD).
• Experience handling complex employee relations issues.
• Knowledge of employment law.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategies to reduce sickness absence.
• Advise managers on complex employee relations cases.
• Manage absence cases through formal procedures.
• Provide regular reports on sickness and turnover.
• Deliver training to managers on absence management.

Skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Creative problem-solving

Influencing senior managers

Education

Degree or CIPD qualification

Job description

Role

Senior HR Employee Relations Advisor (Sickness Lead)

Location

Forward Drive, Harrow, HA3 8NT (London Borough of Harrow)

Employer

Pertemps Recruitment Partnership, representing the London Borough of Harrow

Contract Type

Temporary - Initial 6-month assignment, with potential for extension

Working Pattern

Hybrid (2-3 days office attendance)

Pay Rate

24.81 per hour PAYE (Negotiable)

About the Role

Pertemps Recruitment, working with the London Borough of Harrow, is looking for a Senior HR Employee Relations Advisor (Sickness Lead) to join the HR Services team. The role focuses on managing sickness absence and supporting managers with complex employee relations cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategies to reduce short- and long-term sickness absence.
• Advise managers on complex cases (health conditions, disability, stress, ER issues).
• Work closely with occupational health, managers, and Trade Unions.
• Manage absence cases through formal procedures, hearings, and appeals.
• Provide regular reports and dashboards on sickness, turnover, and case trends.
• Deliver training to managers on absence management.
• Keep accurate records in line with data protection rules.

Key Requirements

• Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD).
• Degree and/or CIPD qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Experience handling complex employee relations issues with knowledge of employment law.
• Ability to influence and work effectively with senior managers and stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with a focus on results.
• Creative problem-solving approach.
• Proven success in employee relations, including sickness absence, TUPE, and HR projects.
• Experience working in a large organisation.

About us

For almost 60 years, Pertemps Recruitment Partnership have been the market leader in providing permanent and temporary staffing solutions and we are one of the most established players within the recruitment industry. The Sunday Times has listed us as one of the Best 100 Companies to work for 14 years running. We are not a big scary faceless company, quite the opposite: we strongly believe in the personal touch with everything we do. We are proud to be accredited 'investor in people' which is reflected across our business in length of service and career progression of our employees.

London Borough of Harrow

London Borough of Harrow is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.