Fit for Work
Fit for Work update 24 April 2015
Later this year, employers will also be able to make referrals on behalf of their employees.
The Fit for Work referral service has commenced for GPs in Sheffield and the Betsi Cadwaladr health board areas and will be rolling out for GPs across England and Wales over the coming months.
Fit for Work has reported that the first six weeks of full operation in the referral areas has gone well so far. The online resources are proving very popular, and many people are making use of the guides on the advice hub to find out more about a variety of topics, including:
adjustments for those experiencing mental health issues; sickness absence; phased return to work; tackling work-related stress
Website sign-ups and telephone enquiries to Fit for Work are coming in thick and fast, and, most importantly, many GPs in referring areas have begun making referrals on behalf of their patients as they see the benefits of integrating Fit for Work referrals into their working practices.
Further information:
Fit for Work websix figuresite DWP guidance for employers Fit for Work rollout map Fit for Work Scotland
CIPP Quick Poll – Fit for work service 3 July 2015
Whilst the Fit for Work referral service is only just beginning its long ‘journey’ to becoming fully available and allowing employer referral, the CIPP have been running a Quick Poll to establish early enthusiasm, from employers, for using its services once they become available in their area. The Fit for Work service aims to focus specifically on supporting those who have been, or are likely to be, off work for four weeks or more in order to benefit employees, employers and GPs. A rollout map is available to see whether you currently fall into one of the areas where GPs are able to begin referrals now. Throughout the month of June the CIPP’s Policy & research team have been running a quick poll that asks Will you use the ‘fit for work’ service when it is available in your area? We received 126 polls of which 53 respondents or 42 per cent aren’t yet familiar with the services to be offered under ‘Fit for Work’.
Yes
26% 14% 18% 42%
33 17 23 53
No
Maybe
Don’t know what it is
Although it will be some while yet before employers will be able to make referrals, early employer guidance is available at the fit for work website and a downloadable Employer guide is available at GOV.UK.
Fit for Work guidance for employers 11 September 2015
Revised guidance for employers has been published detailing that Return to Work Plans issued through Fit for Work can be accepted as evidence of sickness absence by employers in exactly the same way as a GP fit note.
CIPP Policy News Journal
25/04/2016, Page 86 of 453
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