Sickness Absence - Making use of professional advice
When might professional or other advice be needed
In many cases a straightforward adjustment such as gradual return to full-time working over a period of time will be enough to enable an ill, injured or disabled employee to return to work. But there will be circumstances where you or your employee will need professional or other specialist advice, and access to support or treatment before a return to work is possible.
Using professional advice from occupational health and rehabilitation services, insurers and others
If occupational health practitioners are employed or there is a contract with independent providers of occupational health and rehabilitation services, you will be aware of the major role they can play in evaluating reasons for absence, carrying out health assessments, assisting managers to plan an employee’s return to work and talking to any other professionals and advisers involved. Even so, there may be situations when an employee still needs to be referred to a consultant or external service provider for specialist advice for employees with, e.g. major joint or muscle, heart or lung problems or therapy from a psychologist.
How can I get help with reasonable adjustments for disabled employees?
If the employee needs assistance with reasonable adjustments, the employee can apply to the nearest Jobs and Benefits office for help. A Disability Employment Adviser will advise whether the Access to Work (AtW) Scheme can help and refer you and your employee to an AtW Adviser. The types of support and advice the scheme provides covers, e.g.:
- adaptations to a vehicle, or help towards taxi fares or other transport costs if public transport is not accessible;
- alterations to premises to provide better access;
- new equipment or adaptations to existing equipment;
- support workers e.g. services of a reader at work for blind or visually impaired employees, or for people who need practical help at work or getting to work.
The AtW Adviser will normally speak to the employer and the employee to find the most effective solution. In the majority of cases, this can be done over the telephone, but a visit can be arranged if necessary. Sometimes specialist or technical advice may be needed, which the AtW Adviser will help arrange. It is your responsibility for buying any equipment needed or carrying out alterations, but subject to an assessment, a claim or grant for doing so may be provided from AtW.
Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) based at Jobs and Benefits offices can also provide you with support and advice in adopting good employment practice in recruiting, retaining, training and career development of disabled people.
Next: Agreeing and reviewing a return to work plan
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