Concerns voiced over new fit for work health service


Concerns have been expressed over the government’s new Fit for Work occupational health service which completed its rollout last month. 


GPs and employers across England and Wales can now refer employed patients and employees who have been, or are likely to be, off sick from work for four weeks or more for a voluntary occupational health assessment. An occupational health professional will identify what is preventing them from returning to work and agree a return-to-work plan.The service opened to employers in Scotland earlier this year.


But speaking at the Hazards Conference last month, Andy Turner, workplace health advisor at Rotherham Occupational Health Advice Service, set out a number of trade union concerns about the service. 


These include fears that the voluntary scheme will become compulsory and could be linked to capability procedures and occupational sick pay further down the line. 


He also explained some of the scheme’s limitations, including initial assessments being carried out through call centres, with one-to-one assessments relying on employer funding, and a one-a-year limit on referrals. 


http://fitforwork.org

https://www.tuc.org.uk/Fit%20for%20work%20guide