Returning to work before OH assessment

David6372

Hello,

I have a sick note and have been off for nearly 2 weeks.

On the day after I sent in my sick note, the employer referred me for an OH assessment which I have agreed to.

I am possibly looking at returning next week. I didn't tell my employer about the stress that I had and was hoping to discuss this with the OH before returning.

Is it standard protocol to wait for the OH assessment before returning to work?

elsien

Depends on the reason for the sickness and the reason for the OH referral. And probably your past sickness history.
There wouldn’t normally be occupational health referral if it was a one off sickness because of flu or something. referral to OH tends to imply that they are concerned there is a bit more going on.

gwynlas

I hope that you are already in a union.

Agree with above that OH is rarely first response to sickness.

I would return to work if that was what you were planning and attend appointment with view to discussing if any support is available going forward.

If you have a poor sickness record it might be that managers are looking to either offer support if they can or use ill health procedures as a means of managing you out.