Return to work after sickness
Use the return conversation to agree what support is needed now.
Check that the person is ready to return, read any relevant fit-note or occupational-health advice, discuss what may be difficult at work, and agree what happens next.
The conversation
Cover the work, the support and the next review.
Keep the conversation private. Use relevant records and advice, but ask what the person needs rather than assuming.
- 01Ready?Check how the person feels about returning now.
- 02What changed?Cover work updates that matter to the return.
- 03What is difficult?Identify barriers in the actual job.
- 04What could help?Discuss support, adjustments or a phased return.
- 05Who acts?Agree actions, owners and dates.
- 06ReviewSet a point to check whether the plan works.
Before the meeting
Bring the useful information, not every piece of medical detail.
If there is a fit note, doctor's report or occupational-health assessment, look at the recommendations that affect work.
Occupational health
Use occupational health when the work-health question needs more detail.
Acas says an occupational-health assessment can add job-focused advice to a fit note or medical report. It can help an employer and worker decide what support or changes may be needed.
£27 Return-to-Work Planner
The harder job is turning the conversation into one usable plan.
The paid planner is being built to connect barriers, job demands, adjustments, phased-return details, actions and review points without entering the same information again.