Posted By margaretconlon If an employee wishes to return to work, after time of due to a work related accident, but the doctor, has recommended further time off. Can the employer refuse to take this employee back until fit to do their job, does anyone know what the law would say in such a case??

Posted By Little Helper I would say yes. You could try to give alternative work but then your delving into occupational health which is another ball game altogether. A little caution may be needed. It is just as easy to get signed off sick as it is to go on sick. Hence larger companies have a return to work plan and interview which sometimes involves a discussion with Occupational Health nurse/therapist etc.

Posted By Laurie I once told an employee who went off with stress that I would not permit them back on any part of the premises without a certificate from their doctor to say that they were now fit for work(this was for their protection, not the company's). I would not hesitate to do so again, Laurie

Posted By George Wedgwood GPs usually have a risk-averse approach to occupational hazards and that is why they are happy to sign off for a long time until the paitent is 'right as rain' and nothing can be redirected at them for mal-practice. However, the employer has a different view and yes, assessment has to be done but only in conjunction with a specialist occupational health pracitioner (GPS usually know little about occ. health medicine). My company has retained the dervices of a private health-care company who offers call-off medical assessments, paid for at the point of delivery. These are very useful in cases like this and the Line manager will only pay for it once, usually (around £250-300 for a doctor's report to the employer). It is often very useful, given the cost of absence and replacement labour and sometimes you can get a miracle cure - some 'sick' employees quickly attend their own doctor and get signed off before the 'comapny' doctor gets a look! Sure, the employer wants fewer days lost - if you are measuring them, it is surprising how they mount up as a huge operational cost so it is a good KPI to keep an eye on. But managing return to work should be on every managers' agenda.