I am interested in knowing (particularly from large employers) what approach you take when appraisal rating an employee who is long-term absent either due to long term sickness, maternity, career break etc and has been for the whole of the appraisal year in question.  I have the following questions I would be keen to hear views on?

Do you rate the employee as you would an employee actively at work or do you apply an unclassified rating?

Do you apply the appraisal rating that was awarded at the last appraisal they had prior to going long-term absent?

or do you apply a different approach and if so would you willing to share details of that with me

many thanks for your time