Return to work after sickness
Help an employee return to work safely and sustainably
When someone comes back after sickness absence, the right support makes the difference between a lasting return and a relapse. We give you an independent clinical view and a practical, phased plan.
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- HCPC-registered clinicians
- Independent & impartial
- GDPR-compliant
- UK-wide
- Employee consent-based
Bringing someone back after absence is rarely straightforward
After a period of sickness absence, especially a long one, a sudden return to full duties often doesn't work. Managers are left guessing what the employee can safely do, which adjustments are reasonable, and how to phase things without triggering another absence.
An independent clinical assessment removes the guesswork. You get a clear opinion on fitness for work and a step-by-step plan you can put in place and defend.
This often looks like:
- An employee has been off for several weeks or months
- You're unsure what they can safely do on return
- A previous return didn't go to plan
- You're weighing up what adjustments are reasonable
- The absence was health- or stress-related
- You want a defensible basis for your decisions
How Return Well helps
Independent clinical guidance you can act on
Fitness-for-work opinion
A clear clinical position: fit, not yet fit, or fit with adjustments.
Phased return plan
A structured, week-by-week schedule that reduces the risk of a failed return.
Workplace adjustments
Specific, role-tailored recommendations you can implement and defend.
Fast turnaround
A manager-ready report within 3–5 working days of the assessment.
Example
An employee returning after three months off with stress
Following a remote assessment, the clinician recommended a four-week phased return: reduced hours building back to full time, protected focus time, and a temporary cap on concurrent projects, with a review at week four. The employer had a clear, practical plan to follow and the employee returned without relapse.
Illustrative example: every assessment is tailored to the individual case.
FAQ
Common questions
How quickly can you assess our employee?
Assessments are arranged promptly and carried out remotely. You typically receive the report within 3–5 working days of the assessment taking place.
Does the employee have to consent?
Yes. Assessments are carried out with the employee's consent, and nothing is shared without it. The consent step is built into our process.
Who carries out the assessment?
An independent, UK-registered clinician (e.g. occupational therapist, physiotherapist or psychologist) matched to the situation: HCPC or NMC registered.
What will we actually receive?
A clear, manager-ready report: a fitness-for-work opinion, a phased return plan where appropriate, and practical workplace adjustments, not a diagnosis to interpret.
Do we need a contract?
No. There are no contracts or retainers. You pay per case and use us only when you need to.
Ready to get started?
Submit your case in minutes and we'll match it to a qualified UK clinician. No subscription, no commitment. Pay per assessment.
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Related: Our services · Early intervention · For employers