Phased Returns and Workplace Support Plans

A phased return is a temporary plan for rebuilding work capacity after sickness absence. It can change hours, duties, workload, location and meeting demands. Department policy determines pay and local approval arrangements.

A phased return should be written

The plan should identify the starting position, each proposed increase, excluded duties, review dates and the response if symptoms worsen. A vague promise to “take it easy” creates no reliable boundary.

A support plan may continue afterwards

Temporary return measures can end while longer-term adjustments continue. Keep the two categories separate so permanent support is not removed automatically when the phased period ends.

Members can unlock: a detailed phased-return builder, weekly hours and duties table, workload controls, review criteria, extension and failure options, support-plan wording and checks for pay, leave and long-term adjustments.

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