An employee keeps taking odd days off sick. What can I do?

You can deal with this, and you should, because odd days off left alone drag the whole team down. Start with a return-to-work chat after every absence and look for a pattern. Often that on its own cuts it right back. If it carries on, move to a fair, staged absence process with clear trigger points, and use it the same way for everyone.

The thing to check is why. Regular odd days can be a hidden health condition, a caring responsibility, or something going on at work, and some of those carry legal protection. So manage the absence firmly, but make sure there's nothing underneath it before you treat it as a conduct issue. Get that the wrong way round and a sensible process can turn into a discrimination risk.

General guidance to help you decide your next step, not legal advice. Employment law changes, so always check the current position for your own situation.