Return to Work Form Template for England and Wales

A Return to Work Form helps employees safely transition back to their jobs after illness, injury, or extended leave. Employers across England and Wales use these forms to document essential health updates, workplace adjustments, and any ongoing medical restrictions that might affect job duties.

The form plays a vital role in meeting UK health and safety obligations while protecting both employer and employee interests. It typically includes sections for medical clearance, phased return details, and reasonable accommodations needed under the Equality Act 2010. Many organizations require these forms before staff can resume their duties, especially after sick leave lasting more than seven days.

Use a Return to Work Form any time an employee comes back after being off sick for more than seven consecutive days. This includes situations where staff have been absent due to workplace injuries, long-term illness, stress leave, or medical procedures. The form becomes especially important when returning employees need workplace adjustments or have ongoing health considerations.

Complete the form during a return-to-work meeting between the employee and their manager. This timing allows for proper discussion of any medical certificates, phased return schedules, or reasonable accommodations required under UK employment law. Many employers also use these forms after shorter absences to track patterns and support staff wellbeing.

• Employee Return To Work Form: Standard self-declaration form completed by employees, covering basic health status and absence details
• Return To Work Certification Form: More detailed version requiring manager sign-off and formal documentation of workplace adjustments
• Doctors Return To Work Form: Medical professional's assessment confirming fitness for work and any restrictions
• Return To Work Authorisation Form: Comprehensive form for high-risk roles requiring multiple departmental approvals
• Employer Letter To Employee Returning From Maternity Leave: Specialised form addressing maternity-specific return arrangements

• HR Departments: Create and maintain Return to Work Form templates, oversee the process, and ensure compliance with UK employment laws
• Line Managers: Conduct return interviews, complete relevant sections, and document any workplace adjustments or support needed
• Employees: Fill out personal details, health declarations, and discuss any ongoing medical conditions or required accommodations
• Occupational Health Professionals: Provide medical assessments and recommendations for safe return to work arrangements
• GPs and Medical Practitioners: Supply fit notes and medical clearance when required for complex cases or extended absences

• Employee Details: Gather full name, job title, department, and dates of absence
• Medical Information: Collect fit notes, medical certificates, or occupational health reports
• Return Plan: Document agreed working hours, phased return schedule, and any temporary adjustments
• Risk Assessment: Review workplace hazards and necessary safety measures for the returning employee
• Support Measures: List any equipment, training, or assistance needed for a successful return
• Sign-off Process: Ensure all required parties (employee, manager, HR) review and approve the form

• Personal Information Section: Employee details, job role, and absence dates compliant with UK data protection laws
• Health Declaration: Statement confirming fitness to return, with any ongoing health conditions or restrictions
• Workplace Adjustments: Specific modifications required under the Equality Act 2010
• Return Schedule: Agreed working pattern, including any phased return arrangements
• Risk Assessment Summary: Identified workplace hazards and control measures under Health and Safety laws
• Consent Statement: GDPR-compliant declaration for processing health-related data
• Signature Block: Space for employee, manager, and HR representative signatures with dates

A Return to Work Form is often confused with a Sick Pay Form, but they serve distinct purposes in UK employment law. While both relate to employee absence, they handle different aspects of the process.

• Timing of Use: Return to Work Forms are completed when an employee is ready to resume work, while Sick Pay Forms are submitted at the start of sick leave to initiate payment
• Primary Purpose: Return to Work Forms focus on safe workplace reintegration and necessary adjustments, whereas Sick Pay Forms deal with salary continuation and statutory sick pay eligibility
• Legal Requirements: Return to Work Forms help employers meet health and safety obligations, while Sick Pay Forms fulfill HMRC and statutory payment regulations
• Information Covered: Return to Work Forms include fitness assessments and workplace modifications, but Sick Pay Forms concentrate on absence dates and payment calculations