Letter of Excuse
A letter of excuse is a written explanation to an employer, school, college or other entity, as to why you were unable to attend for a period of time. The absence may have been to due to sickness, a religious event, or medical matter. For example, if you were sick one day and were unable to attend work, you would be required to write a letter of excuse to your employer explaining the conditions surrounding your absence.
Letters of excuse are also commonly written by those who have been selected but cannot attend jury duty.
Starting to Write
Apologize for your absence, especially if you didn’t warn the recipient in advance.
Give a truthful explanation as to why you couldn’t attend.
Offer to catch up on any work missed.
Thank the recipient for their understanding.
Letter of Excuse Due to Sickness Sample
Glenn L. Redman Inc.
4247 Evergreen Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dear Glen,
I am writing this letter to explain why I was absent from work on July 14th, 2009.
I came down with the flu the night before, and when I awoke in the morning to go to work, I felt it would be best for me to stay home and try to fight this sickness. I thought it would be a bad idea to attend work and risk my fellow employees getting sick and not being able to come to work.
I am willing to make up for lost time this upcoming weekend if it is required of me. I am available all day from 8am to 9pm.
Please contact me if you need any more information or if you would like to speak to me about this issue.
Sincerely,
Steven O’Gardy
Letter of Excuse for Jury Duty Sample
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to ask to be excused from Jury Duty commencing June 04, 2013. I am a full time mother of a newly born baby and cannot make arrangements for childcare.
Furthermore I am breastfeeding my infant, and this would not be practical if I am to attend the court for the required amount of hours per day.
Nonetheless I will be happy to perform this civic duty at some point in the future when circumstances are different.
Thank you for understanding. If you have any queries please contact me on (916) 673-9859.
Sincerely,
Mrs. R. Cooper
Letter of Excuse for Absence School Sample
Dear Mr. Jackson,
Please excuse my son Roger Davies of Class 10 for his recent four day absence. He has been ill with some kind of stomach bug, resulting in vomiting and has been on a course of medication from the doctor.
Roger will be happy to catch up on any work missed during his own time.
I appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Davies
Letter of Excuse to School for Religious Event Sample
To Whom It May Concern,
Please excuse my daughter Elaine Summers for not attending class on November 14th. It was an oversight on my part not to inform you sooner, but she was required to take part in our family religious celebration of Diwali, the Hindu New Year. This involved travelling to visit relatives in another state.
In future we will make sure to inform Elaine’s teachers in advance so they can provide her with any extra work to complete during our trip.
Thank you for your consideration,
Mr. Summers