Sickness absence due to bullying and harassment

Sometimes, the stress of bullying and harassment makes members ill. Where they need to, they should visit their GP and take a period of sickness absence to recover. It can be helpful if the GP identifies on the Fit Note that the cause of the absence is work-related stress or bullying, as this will make it much harder for managers to avoid dealing with the problem.

In September 2015, the government’s Fit for Work occupational health service completed its roll out. GPs and employers across England and Wales can now refer employed patients and employees who have been, or are likely to be, off sick from work for four weeks or more for a voluntary occupational health assessment. An occupational health professional will identify what is preventing them from returning to work and agree a Return-to-Work plan. The service opened to employers in Scotland earlier this year.

Unions have some concerns about the scheme, including fears that what is now a voluntary scheme will become compulsory and could be linked to capability procedures and occupational sick pay further down the line. It also has some limitations. Initial assessments are carried out through call centres, with one-to-one assessments relying on employer funding, for example, and there is a one-a-year limit on referrals.

However, if you are off work because of bullying and are referred to Fit for Work, it would be a good idea to tell the occupational health adviser conducting the assessment about the bullying.

More information about the service can be found online at: http://fitforwork.org