FIT To Work assessments are set to begin for people who have been on long-term sick leave referred to a new Government scheme.

The occupational health assessments have been introduced in Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire, with referrals being made to the service, which aims to help workers facing long-term sickness absence return to their jobs more quickly.

The free, voluntary and confidential service will provide the services of occupational health professionals to employed people if they have been, or are likely to be, off work for four weeks or more due to illness or related issues.

GPs in Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire will now be able to refer their employed patients who have been off work for a long period of time to the service, with their consent.

Patients will then benefit from an in-depth consultation, followed by a personalised Return to Work Plan tailored to their needs and support to get back to their job. Employees can also speak to their GPs to request a referral to the service.

Rosamond Roughton, director of NHS Commissioning, said: “NHS England welcomes Fit for Work as an opportunity to support people working in the England and Wales who currently have no access to expert occupational health advice.

“This service will help GPs provide holistic care to their patients, while reducing the pressure of ill health associated with managing people who become long-term unemployed.”

Within two working days of a referral, the worker concerned will receive an in-depth consultation with an occupational health professional who will explore all of the issues that might be preventing them from returning to work. This will include work-related and wider personal issues as well as health matters.

Based on an assessment, the health professional will create a Return to Work Plan, containing steps and advice for the employee and employer. If the employee is willing for the plan to be shared with their employer, Fit for Work can engage with the employer to help the employee achieve a return to work.

Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud said: “Backing working people is central to the continued success of this country.

"The longer someone remains out of work due to sickness, the greater the cost to their career, income and future earnings.

"Fit for Work will ensure that people get the right help when they need it to get back to work so they can continue to support themselves and their families.”

Dr Lucy Goundry, clinical lead for the Fit for Work programme at Health Management Limited, which will deliver the new service, said: “GPs have long called for such a service and we are delighted to be able to provide an independent referral service that will make occupational health support accessible to the wider working population as well as provide a vital line of support for GPs in Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire.”

There is an advice line and website, both of which can be used now by anyone needing work-related health advice, including employees, employers and GPs, on 0800 032 6235 or via www.fitforwork.org