Return to Work Form Template for Ireland

A Return to Work Form is a standard document that Irish employees complete when coming back to work after being out sick. It helps employers track attendance, comply with Safety, Health and Welfare at Work regulations, and ensure staff are fit to resume their duties safely.

The form typically includes details about the illness duration, any ongoing medical restrictions, and confirmation that the employee feels well enough to work. For absences over 3 days, Irish employers often require this form alongside a doctor's certificate, making it an important part of workplace absence management and health and safety compliance.

Use a Return to Work Form immediately when employees come back from any illness-related absence in Ireland. This applies to both short-term sick days and extended medical leaves. The form becomes especially important after absences lasting more than 3 consecutive days, when Irish law requires additional documentation.

It's essential to complete the form on the employee's first day back, before they resume their regular duties. This timing helps protect both employer and employee, ensures proper health and safety compliance, and creates a clear record of fitness to work. Many Irish companies integrate this process into their morning check-in procedures for returning staff.

• Back To Work Form: Basic version for routine sick leave returns, focusing on absence details and general fitness declaration
• Medical Return To Work Form: Detailed medical-focused version requiring specific health information and doctor's input
• Return To Work Interview Form: Includes manager discussion points and workplace adjustment needs
• Return To Work Certification Form: Formal certification version for complex cases requiring multiple approvals
• Return From Leave Letter: Complementary document confirming return arrangements and any workplace modifications

• HR Managers: Responsible for creating and maintaining Return to Work Forms, ensuring compliance with Irish employment law, and managing the return process
• Line Managers: Conduct return interviews, complete relevant sections, and implement any workplace adjustments
• Employees: Must fill out their sections honestly, provide medical certificates when required, and confirm their fitness to resume duties
• Occupational Health Professionals: Review complex cases and provide specialist input on workplace accommodations
• Medical Practitioners: Supply supporting documentation for longer absences and specify any work restrictions

• Employee Details: Gather full name, employee ID, department, and normal working hours
• Absence Information: Record exact dates of absence, nature of illness (while respecting medical privacy), and any medical certificates provided
• Health Status: Document current health condition and any ongoing symptoms or restrictions affecting work
• Workplace Adjustments: Note any required modifications to duties, hours, or workspace
• Verification: Include signature sections for employee, line manager, and HR representative with current dates
• Supporting Documents: Attach relevant medical certificates or occupational health assessments

• Personal Information Section: Full employee details, PPS number, and role details as required by Irish employment law
• Absence Documentation: Dates, reason for absence, and medical certification requirements under Safety, Health and Welfare regulations
• Fitness Declaration: Clear statement confirming ability to return safely to work duties
• Workplace Modifications: Any required adjustments or accommodations under equality legislation
• GDPR Compliance: Data protection notice explaining how medical information will be processed and stored
• Authentication Block: Dated signatures from employee, manager, and relevant medical professionals

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

• Timing and Purpose: Return to Work Forms are completed when an employee returns to work, focusing on fitness and safety. Sick Pay Forms are processed during the absence period to arrange payment.
• Legal Requirements: Return to Work Forms fulfill health and safety obligations under Irish workplace regulations. Sick Pay Forms address financial entitlements under employment contracts and statutory sick pay rules.
• Content Focus: Return to Work Forms cover health status, workplace adjustments, and future accommodations. Sick Pay Forms detail absence dates, payment calculations, and benefit eligibility.
• Documentation Needs: Return to Work Forms may require medical clearance certificates. Sick Pay Forms typically need proof of illness and earnings information.