Sickness Absence Management

Sickness absence is a huge cost to employers in lost time and productivity. It makes sense to take early action to manage and control these costs. We can help and support a robust sickness absence policy to ensure that the employee returns back to work as efficiently and as safely as possible.

The benefits include: 

• Cost saving and reduction in short and long term absences
• Improved staff morale
• Legal compliance
• Increased productivity
• Increased profits

Most businesses aim to promote and maintain a healthy workforce, but there are times when a referral to specialist Occupational Health Practitioner is essential in order to support the management of sickness absence, or the identification  of work related health problems.

The “Management Referral” is there to help you make decisions about an employee who has a health problem impacting on their work, such as sickness absence or deteriorating performance. You will need to comply with the Equality Act (2010) (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act 1995).

We believe that being in work is good for your health and well-being. For many of us, work is not only a source of income but provides a feeling of self-worth and fulfilment. Occupational health services can also help individuals who are in work stay healthy and motivated and it can support those who are off work to return quickly.

We offer the following referral, but our team will assess each case and advise on the best way for you to support your staff

‘Standard’ Referral

The standard referral is a single appointment carried out by one of our dedicated team of OH Consultants or Advisors where appropriate. This appointment can be carried out via a traditional face to face format, secure video service (operated by NHS England) or by phone. The referral will support if you need to know the answers to some questions as outlined below:

• If there is an underlying medical condition and will this have an impact of the employee job role.
• Whether sickness absence is likely to improve
• When the employee is likely to be fit to return to work
• If there are any health and safety issues
• If there are any recommended work restrictions or adjustments and their duration
• If a further review is recommended and by whom
• If the case is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
• A prediction of their likely future attendance
• Is redeployment recommended
• Is Ill Health Retirement recommended

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 ‘Standard’ Management Referral Process

• Company discusses referral with employee and completes in full the ‘Standard’ OH referral form.
• Form is sent to OH
• OH lead advisor triage's referral paperwork and advises most appropriate details (Consultant or Advisor) for the appointment
• OH contact Employer to confirm and offer appointment date/time.
• If agreed by Employer, OH will contact by email the Employee with all relevant information relating to the appointment
• Employee attends or connects via video and consent is obtained relating to the report
• If further information is required then consent is obtained
• Report is released to the Employer once the Employee has agreed so.

Approx. Typical Referral Cost

(based on 1 referral, 1 follow up appointment and request for further specialist information with OH Consultant)

£850.00

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To discuss referring a member of your team to us please contact iownt.occupationalhealth@nhs.net  in the first instance. One of our dedicated commercial team members will respond to you as soon as possible to discuss your needs and requirements fully.

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