New scheme to allow signed-off islanders to slowly return to work

Tuesday 17 October 2023

Employees who are written off sick for more than three months each year will be able to gradually return to their positions under a new scheme – something that has previously been illegal.

Launched yesterday, the WorkWell service will allow those receiving short-term incapacity allowance receive a 'Return to Work Plan' which sets out the tasks they can do and with what adjustments.

These could include, for example, shorter hours, working from home, performing desk rather than manual tasks, or focusing on training.

Previously, it has been illegal for someone who is written off sick and receiving short-term incapacity allowance (STIA) to do any kind of duties, including paid employment, volunteering and training.

Pictured: Social Security Minister Elaine Millar said it was important for islanders "to feel like they are not prevented from working by common health conditions".

With the majority of STIA recipients suffering from chronic or long-term illnesses – including stress and depression – there were concerns that this made patients sicker.

The five-strong team implementing the WorkWell scheme is focusing on people who are written off for a month or more, and with mental health or musculoskeletal conditions – though the gradual return to work scheme is available to all, if their GP deems it appropriate.

Deputy Millar it was important for islanders "to feel like they are not prevented from working by common health conditions," and that she was confident that employers would feel supported implementing the scheme.

Similar provisions exist in other jurisdictions, including one that has existed in Guernsey for eight years.

"We're a little bit behind the curve," Deputy Millar admitted. "I think it's the right thing to do."

The programme is optional and it is expected that people can drop back out and continue receiving sick pay.

Deputy Millar said: “I am delighted we have launched this service.

"The WorkWell team are all in place to help people who want to manage the effects of health conditions on their ability to work.”

She added that the scheme "is absolutely not about pushing people back into work who are not ready to go back".

Signing up to the scheme

To return to work under WorkWell, patients will need to already be signed up to receive STIA.

They will need to get a referral from their GP, who can enter them into the WorkWell system.

The newly-formed five-person WorkWell team then gives them a call within two working days, to discuss their jobs and possible adjustments.

At a further appointment, they will draw up a return-to-work plan and speak to the organisation about implementing it.

In a final step, the WorkWell team has to sign off the agreement before the employee is allowed to return to their job.