When it comes to looking after your people, prevention really is better than cure.
At Fleet Street Clinic, we’ve seen time and again how a simple, structured occupational health (OH) referral process can transform how businesses manage sickness absence, productivity and staff wellbeing.
But how do you know when it’s time to get one in place?
Here are five signs to watch out for
1. Sickness absence is creeping up
If you’ve noticed more staff taking time off, you’re not alone. According to the ONS, the UK sickness absence rate in 2024 was 2.0% (about 4.4 days lost per worker). That’s the highest level in over a decade.
Often, a pattern of rising absence hints at underlying issues such as physical, psychological or environmental. A referral process ensures those employees get timely specialist support rather than letting things drift.
2. Staff are off sick regularly or for long stretches
Frequent short absences or one long spell can quickly impact your team.
Occupational health input helps identify the root cause and recommends adjustments or next steps to help people return safely and sustainably.
3. People return… but keep relapsing
If someone’s back at work but struggles to stay there, it might not be resilience, it might be a missing piece of support. An OH referral can guide phased returns, recommend adjustments and help both you and your employee move forward confidently.
4. You’re unsure of your legal responsibilities
Employers in the UK have a duty of care under the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act 2010. If an employee has a health condition or disability, you may need to make reasonable adjustments. OH reports provide the medical context to help you meet those obligations fairly and safely.
5. Your business is changing
New equipment, hybrid work, different roles… all of these can introduce new risks.
A structured referral process ensures everyone is assessed appropriately and supported as roles evolve.
When you have the right referral process, you’re not just reducing absence… you’re showing your employees that their wellbeing matters.
At Fleet Street Clinic, we help businesses of all sizes design clear, compliant and compassionate OH referral pathways.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your team’s health and keep your business thriving. Contact us to discuss how we can support your organisation.
Sources:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/sicknessabsenceintheuklabourmarket2023to2024
