19 June 2009
Sasha Wood

The TUC has published a guide to handling employees who are returning to work following injury or illness.

The factsheet - 'Rehabilitation: a Short Guide to the Evidence' - outlines the findings of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) review 'What Works, For Whom and When?'

It goes on to call for earlier access to rehabilitation for all workers, to minimise the time they are away from work and to aid them in their recovery.

According to the new TUC guide, the DWP review uncovered proof that early rehabilitation can be very effective for common health problems such as depression and anxiety.

There is also evidence to suggest that being away from one's job for an extended period can be bad for physical and mental health, while being at work can aid an employee's recovery.

The TUC advises employers to exercise caution in this area because work sometimes causes or exacerbates health problems; forcing staff members back into their jobs could lengthen recovery time or lead to a relapse.

The rehabilitation guide recommends that employers and healthcare professionals coordinate their efforts to create an accommodating workplace.

It also gives brief, bullet-pointed details of the implications for employees, such as staying in touch with their workplace so the organisation can make reasonable adjustments for their return to work, and seeking medical advice if they want to return to work before they are fully recovered.

Categories:
Sickness absence, News



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