Sickness Absence Policy - June 2025

11. Occupational Health

Occupational Health forms part of the Employee Wellbeing Team which provides Health, Safety and Wellbeing advice, guidance and training.

Occupational Health has an important role in advising you and your manager on your fitness to work, reasonable adjustments which will help maintain work, support your rehabilitation after sickness or injury, to aid a return to work as soon as possible.

You do not have to be absent from work, you can be referred by your line manager to Occupational Health at any time, be that prior to a likely absence, during or following a period(s) of absence. Your line manager is encouraged to refer early in the process so that the appropriate medical opinion can be sought, and any reasonable adjustments can be identified. Early intervention can provide a timely solution if a concern is raised or support is needed at any point.

Early intervention can also lead to consideration of redeployment or other options that can facilitate a return to work. (Please see Redeployment Policy)

If a return to work on a ‘phased basis’ is recommended by Occupational Health, this will be granted with normal pay for up to a maximum of 4 weeks.

Your manager may refer you to Occupational Health following a work-related injury after seeking advice from a Health & Safety Advisor.

Occupational Health reports will be provided only to your line manager or the manager(s) noted on the referral form with a copy sent to the HR Attendance Team.

It should be noted that HR/your manager may share relevant information, with your consent, with appropriate senior managers when the final stages of the procedure are likely to be invoked or at the point where you may invoke your right to appeal or review.

You will be required to provide consent to release your medical report. If you respond noting that you do not give your consent, your line manager, with advice from HR will make a decision on your fitness to work without up-to-date medical advice.

A case conference may be convened at any time by your line manager after an Occupational Health consultation if deemed to be beneficial and appropriate. Your line manager will invite you, HR and a relevant medical professional from Occupational Health who will give relevant medical advice. HR will discuss and review all available options with you and your line manager.

Although case conferences are not part of the formal procedure, you may bring a companion to accompany you if available.

The Employee Wellbeing Team undertake proactive health initiatives to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles. Suitable interventions may be recommended to help managers which support your health and wellbeing.