DWP publishes guidance on new Fit for Work service

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published three guidance notes for GPs, employers and employees, on the new Fit for Work service (FWS). The service, which is being set up following the recommendations of Dame Carol Black, will be introduced on a phased basis.

In addition to an online and telephone advice service, FWS will provide free occupational health assessments and return to work plans to assist employees who have been on sickness absence for four weeks or more to return to work. Referrals to FWS may be made by GPs or employers and while it is not mandatory on employees, the guidance suggests that referral is the default position. Once an employee is referred, FWS will contact them to undertake an assessment, usually by telephone, with a view to creating a return to work plan. A plan will cover a specified period of time and will state whether an employee is fit for work or whether they may be fit for work, subject to their employer being able to follow certain recommendations. Where appropriate it will include a timetable to achieve a return to work.

The DWP’s guidance can be accessed online at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fit-for-work-guidance