Latest Updates from Fit for Work

Now the Government’s Fit for Work scheme has had time to be digested and analysed by media channels and health professionals alike, it’s interesting to see just where the dust has settled in the world of work. We’ve got the latest news on Fit for Work and how employers in particular are viewing the regime.

Employers Remain Willing

Results from the 2015/16 Jelf Employee Benefits survey indicate that 7 out of 10 employers questioned would be happy to refer absent employees towards the new scheme if family doctor’s did not do so, indicating they’re generally positive about the initiative.

Existing Occupational Physiotherapists Hold Favour

Twenty two percent of those questioned also maintained they would refer their long term absent to their existing occupational physiotherapy provider; with wellbeing being a huge issue at the moment, a number of companies have monthly onsite or in-house clinics so their staff can stay healthy. The numbers show these private clinics are proving themselves ever more popular and valuable to the companies using them.

From the survey, only 3% said they would not take any action.

Fit for Work Awareness

On the other side of the coin concerns have arisen from those affiliated with the scheme that awareness of Fit for Work is too low. To this end the survey results also indicated that nearly half of employers would be communicating to their workforces about Fit for Work in the coming year not before – therefore it is unlikely we will see many referrals until then. Awareness among GPs at the moment is also said to be low.

Steve Herbert, head of benefits strategy at Jelf Employee Benefits said:

“Our figures suggest that many more absent employees will now benefit from an assessment by an occupational health professional either via Fit for Work, or a more bespoke company-sponsored occupational health arrangement. This can only be a good thing for all concerned”.

Thoughts are positive for Fit for Work, but there’s still a long way to go until we can comment on its success.

Back in Action UK

If you’d like to learn more about Fit for Work and how it affects you, you can read our Director Alex Bell’s blog – here.