During the referral process, we always follow-up with people within the time frame they are off work – unless they request otherwise. The referral starts with an initial 45-minute (approximately) telephone consultation, which would be in-depth and cover all the obstacles preventing someone returning to work; from their health issues, to social and financial issues, or anything else they wish to discuss. However, this telephone assessment is of course not the sum total of the return to work process – we wouldn’t just speak to an employee once and then leave it at that; we provide any necessary support that may help the employee which may often include contact with the employer (where the employee consents to this). Once the referral process is over and contact with the case manager has ceased, that’s where the Fit for Work advice line can also help. The advice line is open to anyone to phone on 0800 032 6235 (or 0800 032 6233 for Welsh speakers), and those who have returned to work but have follow-up queries or issues can speak to a health professional to address any concerns they may have. While the official return to work process may have ceased, the advice line (and the online advice hub ) continue to provide support and guidance for anyone who requires it, meaning that Fit for Work can continue to be a vital line of support at every stage of someone’s return to work.
Employers can refer employees to the service via the online referral form available on the Fit for Work website .
Related CIPP News
Fit for Work team release road show details for Leeds and Newcastle – 2 October 2015 Fit for Work guidance for employers – 11 September 2015 Fit for Work update – 24 April 2015
Fit for Work Roadshows 2 November 2015
The Fit for Work team are running 12 events over the next few weeks to raise awareness of the support that Fit for Work can offer. Along with leading experts and early adopters of the service, they will help attendees learn about managing sickness absence and the return-to-work process. The Fit for Work Roadshow events are free to attend and are kicking off in Newcastle this week. The events are taking place throughout November and into the first week of December at locations across England and Wales. The Fit for Work team, along with leading experts such as David Frost CBE, Acas and early adopters of the service, will share insights and information on sickness absence, demonstrate how the service works and discuss the potential for supporting a return to work more quickly, appropriately and at the key intervention point of around four weeks. The events in Newcastle , Leeds , Nottingham and Birmingham are almost at capacity, but there are still some spaces available in Swansea , Reading , Manchester , Newmarket , Wrexham , Cardiff , Bristol and London , although they are filling up fast.
If you want to secure your place, visit the Fit for Work website , or email fitforwork1@munroforster.com to register your interest.
Fit for Work launch new webinars 3 December 2015
Fit for Work has released a new webinar all about the rationale behind the scheme and step by step guide to making referrals for your employees.
The Fit for Work service has launched a new webinar aimed at employers. “The employer referral process explained” sets out an outline of the rationale behind Fit for Work, the ways that employers and employees can benefit from the support offered by Fit for Work, and a step-by-step guide for employers to completing the online referral form. The recent Spending Review included news of expanding the Fit for Work service to support more people on long-term sickness absence with return to work plans. No further details were provided so when news on what the expansion means for employers becomes available we shall report accordingly.
CIPP Policy News Journal
25/04/2016, Page 88 of 453
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