Category: Health benefits · Reviewed by Mark Fox, Broker · Renewals · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
A return-to-work (RTW) programme is the structured process of supporting an employee returning to work after a period of illness or injury. A modern RTW programme normally involves a Statement of Fitness for Work (“fit note”) from the employee’s GP, an occupational health assessment, a written RTW plan agreed with the employee, phased hours and modified duties for the first 4–12 weeks, workplace adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, and ongoing review meetings.
Category: Health benefits Also known as: RTW, phased return Statutory underpinning: Fit note under Statutory Sick Pay regulations Related concepts: Rehabilitation group IP, Vocational rehabilitation, Reasonable adjustments Equality Act 2010
The fit note (“Statement of Fitness for Work”) replaced the historic sick note in 2010, and explicitly contemplates a return to work with adjustments rather than a binary “fit for work / not fit for work” assessment. The form provides for “may be fit for work taking account of the following advice” — with options including amended duties, altered hours, workplace adaptation and phased return.
Fit notes are issued under the Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1976 as amended. RTW programmes intersect with: (i) the employer’s reasonable adjustments duty under ss.20–22 Equality Act 2010; (ii) the employer’s general health, safety and welfare duty under s.2 HSWA 1974; (iii) the contractual obligation to maintain employment subject to capability; and (iv) the policyholder obligations under any GIP scheme rehabilitation requirements.
RTW programme components: pre-return planning meeting; OH assessment; RTW plan document; phased hours (typically starting at 50% and ramping over 4–12 weeks); modified duties; workplace adjustments (ergonomic, equipment, location); regular review meetings; clear escalation if reintegration is not progressing.
An employee returns from 18 weeks’ absence with depression. The RTW programme provides: an OH assessment recommending phased return at 50% hours for two weeks, 75% for two weeks, 100% from week 5; a managerial mentor for the first month; quiet workspace away from the open plan; and a four-week and eight-week review. The employee returns successfully without recurrence of absence.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-10. Next review: 2026-12-10.
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