Hi Sarah, we have the same problem, in our NHS dept, on the outside the sickness policy ticks all the right boxes, with no loss of pay for the individual. However, there is an unwritten rule here, that after 2 weeks reduced hours staff use their annual leave to continue on reduced hours. I believe there is the 2 tier system also. My previous dept had a strong union presence and a full 6 week rehab was allowed with no loss of pay or annual leave.Makes our position very difficult as I am tempted to recommend further sickness absence, which would be a step back for OH and the staff member.Leona
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sarah Flower
Sent: 06 January 2010 15:10
To: [log in to unmask]Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Phased Return to Work ProgrammesSensitivity: ConfidentialDear AllI am currently battling with the HR managers to understand the benefits of phased return to work programmes for certain individuals. However their attitude is that they will accept reduced hours but this will be reflected in a reduction in the employees pay, or have to make up their hours at a later point, or using their annual leave to supplement the reduced hours. The alternative is if the individual should go back off sick until such time they are fit to resume full time hours !!Saying this there are certain members of staff ie academics who are permitted to be allowed to have a phased retrun and their pay is not affected. Could anybody advise if what they are doing is legal in terms of equality and also any information or research to provide evidence as to the benefits to employee and employer.And what process do your employers followMany thanksSarah******************************** Please remove this footer before replying.Sarah FlowerOccupational Health AdviserUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNR4 7TJTel: 01603 592174OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html
CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING EDUCATION http://www.aohne.org.uk
******************************** Please remove this footer before replying.OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html
CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING EDUCATION http://www.aohne.org.uk
OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html
CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING EDUCATION http://www.aohne.org.uk