Employment Rights Act 1996: Primary legislation governing employment rights, including fair dismissal procedures, written reasons for dismissal requirements, notice period provisions, and protection against unfair dismissal.

ACAS Code of Practice: Statutory guidance on handling disciplinary matters, including requirements for proper investigation, employee representation rights, appeal processes, and following fair disciplinary procedures.

Equality Act 2010: Legislation protecting against discrimination based on protected characteristics, requiring consideration of disability-related absences and reasonable adjustments where applicable.

Human Rights Act 1998: Legislation ensuring fundamental rights including right to fair treatment and right to private life in employment context.

GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Data protection legislation governing the handling of personal data, including requirements for record keeping and data processing in employment matters.

Company Policies: Internal workplace rules and procedures that must be followed during disciplinary processes and dismissals.

Employment Contract: Individual terms and conditions of employment that may contain specific provisions regarding unauthorized absence and dismissal procedures.

Collective Agreements: Any agreements between employer and trade unions or worker representatives that may affect dismissal procedures.

Relevant Case Law: Previous court decisions regarding unauthorized absence that establish precedents and guidelines for fair dismissal procedures.