Kate Brooks

Partner, Solicitor & Head of Employment/HR Services

DATE PUBLISHED: 10 Mar 2016 LAST UPDATED: 01 Nov 2022

Government’s new Fit For Work Scheme – guidance for Employers

Government’s new Fit For Work Scheme “FFW”

The government have introduced a new FFW scheme. FFW is a support service that helps to support employers and their employees when a health condition is affecting their job.

The aim for FFW is to reduce employers’ sick pay costs by assisting employees in returning to work as soon as is appropriate. FFW provides advice to employers, employees and GPs about work-related health matters where an employee’s health condition is affecting them whilst at work or where they are off sick from work.

Although it is not mandatory for employers to utilise FFW, it is likely that many will in future, as it is in all parties’ interests for employers to return to work as soon as possible. We therefore recommend that employers update their sickness absence policies to explain the availability of FFW.

At present, this is only available for GP’s however employers will be able to refer from Autumn 2015; please see the FFW roll out plan to see when you will be able to start referring. We are eagerly waiting for this to come into force as we think it will be very useful for employers.

Fit For Work website: www.fitforwork.org

Fit For Work telephone number: 0800 032 6235.

Department for Work and Pensions’ guidance.

If you would like any further advice on the above please contact me at kate.brooks@ellisjones.co.uk.

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