NICE guidance for managing staff on sick leave
NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has published guidance for the management of long-term sickness absence and incapacity. The information aims to ensure the right support is available to help employee’s on sickness absence return to work as soon as they are able and sets out key recommendations for an integrated approach to sickness management.
The guidance is for all those who manage long-term (or recurring short- or long-term) sickness absence and incapacity, including employers and people working in the NHS. NICE also believes that it will be of interest to workplace representatives and trades unions, employees and those receiving incapacity benefit or employment and support allowance (ESA).
NICE recommendations for employers include:
- Identify someone who is suitably trained and impartial to undertake initial enquiries with an employee who is experiencing long-term sickness absence or recurring short- or long-term sickness absence.
- If necessary, arrange for a more detailed assessment by relevant specialist/s. This could be coordinated by a suitably trained case worker/s.
- Coordinate and support any health, occupational-focused or rehabilitation interventions or services and any return-to-work plan agreed with the employee.
The guidance also recommends that those who are unemployed and claiming incapacity benefit or ESA should be offered an integrated programme of support to help them enter or return to work.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
