What Can I Do If My Manager Ignores Occupational Health Recommendations?
Civil Service Managers and Unimplemented Occupational Health Adjustments
Hello,
Occupational Health recommended several changes to help me manage a health condition at work, including a phased return, temporary changes to duties and more regular breaks.
My manager acknowledged the report but has not implemented most of the recommendations. They keep saying that Occupational Health only gives advice and that operational pressures make the changes difficult.
I have asked for a decision several times, but there is no written explanation and I am now being criticised for performance problems in the same areas the report was meant to address.
Can the manager simply ignore the report? What should I put in writing before the situation becomes a performance or attendance problem?
Quick Answer
Occupational Health recommendations are advisory, but the manager should still make a reasoned workplace decision and consider any duty to make reasonable adjustments. Silence, indefinite delay or criticism in the affected area without addressing the recommendation should be challenged in writing.
Read our When Occupational Health Recommendations Are Ignored guide to compare the report with the action taken and escalate in stages.
Need help with your own situation? Visit Get Tailored Advice or browse more questions in Advice.
How I Would Turn an Ignored Occupational Health Report Into a Recorded Management Decision
Unlock the Full Advice
Continue reading to see how I would track each recommendation, ask for alternatives and stop unresolved support needs being blurred into a performance case.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in