What Is The Fit For Work Service?

The Fit for Work service (FFW) (previously known as the Health and Work Assessment and Advisory Service) has been introduced by the Government to help employers to manage sickness absence.

Initially, FFW is providing advice through a website and telephone line but it will shortly be extended to provide free referrals for an occupational health assessment for employees. FFW is not mandatory for employers, but guidance published by the Department for Work and Pensions encourages employers to update their sickness absence policies to reflect the availability of FFW.

Employees will normally be referred by their GP, but employers can also make a free referral after four weeks of absence.