[fizzwheel]

It needs to be written down in your company handbook, or laid out in the employee's job contract what the policy and disclinary procedure is.

In the position of your employee if you took me to disclinary for my sickness and I asked where it was written down and you couldnt show me then I'd be telling you to shove it.

I dont think you were being awkward, sounds like your HR department need to sort themselves out.

I wouldnt loose any sleep over it.