Hi Helen
I'm an Occupational Health Manager for a large Bakery & Retail company. This has not impacted on my workload at all. It can be a help to returning employees to work with support from the GP. However, their advice can at times be ambiguous. A classic is returning on 'light duties'. This does not help the Manager at all and advice is still being sought from Occupational Health as to what 'light duties' are.
The advice is not legally binding and if the company can not accommodate the recommendations the 'fit for work note' is then classed as a 'sick note' until the expiry date.
I have attached a guide for you from DWP for employers. There is also one for Occupational Health but can't seem to find this at the moment.
If you wish to discuss this further please contact me
Cheers H
Occupational Health Manager
0113 2180224
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-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Helen Aranyi
Sent: 15 June 2010 10:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] 'Fit for work' notes
Good Morning
I am not an OH Advisor, my name is Helen Aranyi from One2One Occupational Health (Recruitment).
I was wondering if there is anyone that could give me their advice or opinion on the matter below as I was
discussing this with one of the OH Advisors I am in contact with who sent me this message and was wondering what
other peoples views or experience is on this so far and would appreciate your feedback:
From April 1st this year all GP's no longer write out "sick certificates" as such and now have to write a "fit for
work" note. They also have an option to give advice on work place adaption's. My concern is that this may impact
negatively on the role of the OHA. The original form did have an option for the GP to recommend a referral to OH.
This was removed before the final draft apparently.
I just hope that GP's do give good advice and if that advice is not appropriate then can OHA's challenge it?
My case load has dropped significantly since April so I just wondered if this is any way related to the current way
people are signed back to work following a period of sickness absence.
I look forward to hearing your responses
Many Thanks
Helen
Helen Aranyi
One2One Occupational Health
01462-455805
Email [log in to unmask]
www.one2oneoh.co.uk
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