Fit for Work referrals

Employers have long awaited the availability of Fit for Work referrals and in autumn of this year the referral service will be live across the country. Many are preparing to update their policies and are considering building a referral to Fit for Work at four weeks of absence (if appropriate) into their sickness policy (following the usual consultation with staff/representatives).

Once referred, employees would expect:

• a call from a Fit for Work occupational health professional to discuss employees’ health issues and job roles/working environments in order to identify obstacles preventing them from returning to work;
• the production of a Return to Work Plan tailored to employees’ needs.

Making referrals is easy, but how can you prepare for Fit for Work?

1. Update your HR policy to accept the Fit for Work Return to Work Plans.
2. Invite eligible employees in for a discussion about Fit for Work.
3. Refer your employees using the employer referral form.
4. Spread the word about Fit for Work within your organisation or on your website using some of our online resources, like the printable employee leaflet or the ‘how it works’ wallchart.

To find out more about referrals, take a look at the information on the Fit for Work website, or view the resources in our employer toolkit.

The Fit for Work team