Human Resources

Occupational Health Service

Sickness absence

Please contact Occupational Health regarding any help you might need to return to work.

We will not discuss your health with anyone else without your consent. We do have a duty to inform your manager/head of department about any reasonable adjustments you need if you are disabled or if your health and safety is at risk.

Did you know?

Starting everyday activities again, like going to work, will help you feel better. Any remaining pain or discomfort you feel can often be managed with the right adjustments at work. Work, when well managed, is good for your health, but staying off work can make you feel worse.

Talk to your manager/head of department while you are off work

Keep in touch with your manager/head of department about your sickness. Tell them about any advice your doctor has given you, like how long you may be off work. Ask for news from work to help you feel a part of what’s going on. If you don’t want to speak to your manager/head of department please stay in contact with Occupational Health or HR.

Talk to your Doctor about your work

Tell your doctor about your job and ask about:

• Going back to work
• Any work tasks that need adjusting on a temporary or permanent basis to allow you to return
• Any side effects of treatments or medication that could affect your work

If you feel happy to do so, you can ask the University Occupational Health Physician to write to your doctor about your job and adjustments needed to help you return. Your doctor will not discuss your health without your consent.

The University can help you while you are off work

Staying in touch with the University will help you plan your return to work. Talk about what might be able to help you.

This may include:

• Taking advice from you, your manager/head of department and your trade union or other employee representatives;
• Using this advice to put together a return to work plan setting out any adjustments to your job or changes to health and safety control measures before you return;
• Making sure everyone involved agrees the plan

Here are some examples of adjustments your employer may be able to make:

• Starting you back on shorter hours, then increasing them within an agreed timescale;
• Adapting or changing the equipment you use at work to make it safe and comfortable;
• Starting you with a reduced workload or work at a slower pace and then building it up to normal

Returning to work

• If you have been off work for a long time, an informal visit during lunchtime or coffee breaks can help you catch up
• Your manager or head of department will want to welcome you back and check how you are feeling. Use this opportunity to discuss your return to work plan and any problems you have
• Help your manager or head of department to look at your progress and to make any changes needed to your return to work plan