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We have been asked that once it is rolled out, will it be mandatory for an employer to make a Fit for Work (FfW) referral?

When an employee is absent for four weeks or more, under the FfW service employers have the option to refer them for a ‘free' occupational health assessment (if their GP has not already done so).  There is not any obligation for the employer to make such a referral, neither is there any obligation on the employee to agree to or attend an occupational health assessment.

In some cases it would not be appropriate to refer an employee for assessment, for example when a planned surgical procedure has taken place with an expected recovery period of 6 weeks.  In these cases it may be better not to consider a referral unless the employee is unlikely to or does not return to work when expected. 

What is important is that you have an effective sickness absence management policy in place.  Once the FfW is rolled out in your area your policy should refer to this service.  Any sickness absence policy should cover long term and short term absences (with or without underlying causes) and more importantly that the policy is applied fairly and consistently.   

Angie.  You can contact Angie Dansey at angela@practical-hr.co.uk