HR Adviser in Lewisham

Lewisham, United Kingdom | Posted on 31/07/2026

Job Description

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

• Evidence of continuous professional development in HR and employment law.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 35 hours per week
• 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.
• The role closes on 7th August 2026.