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Is a phased return to work a reasonable adjustment?

Author

David Richardson

Updated on March 18, 2026

Is a phased return to work a reasonable adjustment?

An adjustment to working hours for a fixed period was not a failure to make reasonable adjustments. To help employees on long term sick leave back to work, employers will often agree to adjust the sick employee's working hours by implementing a phased return to work programme.

In respect to this, what is classed as a reasonable adjustment?

A 'reasonable adjustment' is a change to remove or reduce the effect of: an employee's disability so they can do their job. a job applicant's disability when applying for a job.

Subsequently, question is, do you get full pay on phased return to work? Pay during a phased return to work

If the employee returns to their normal duties but on reduced hours, they should get their normal rate of pay for those hours they work. If the employee is doing lighter duties, it's up to the employer and employee to agree on a rate of pay.

Hereof, what is a reasonable phased return to work?

A phased return to work is an arrangement whereby a member of staff who has been absent from work for a long time or has had a short term absence linked to chronic conditions or conditions with unpredictable periods of acute flare up, returns to their full duties/time at work gradually, over a defined time period,

Do I have to agree to a phased return to work?

The phased return to work must be agreed upon by both employee and employer, to ensure both parties are happy with the arrangement.

What reasonable adjustments can I ask for?

Reasonable adjustments include:
  • changing the recruitment process so a candidate can be considered for a job.
  • doing things another way, such as allowing someone with social anxiety disorder to have their own desk instead of hot-desking.

Can an employer justify not making a reasonable adjustment?

If employers reject a request for adjustments, they should say why. If they do not, then it could be discrimination. Your employer may legally refuse the request you have made in some circumstances. For example, if it was too expensive or if it would disrupt other people's work.

Is Reduced hours a reasonable adjustment?

Reduced working hours to accommodate a disability are a common example of an adjustment that may be reasonable under the Equality Act 2010 and this is also included as an example of a possible reasonable adjustment in EHRC guidance.

Is working from home a reasonable adjustment?

A recent survey showed that the suspension of office working under lockdown has helped improve the mental and physical health of disabled lawyers, and in a Law Society webinar Professor Debbie Foster of Cardiff University Business School noted that homeworking was the most common reasonable adjustment requested of

Do I have to tell my employer if I have a disability?

Even though the employer now knows the person has a disability, the ADA makes it illegal for the employer to use this information when making the hiring decision. As noted, you are not required to voluntarily disclose your disability during the hiring process or after you have been offered a job.

Can employer go against doctor's orders?

Your employer is not required to follow your doctor's medical orders except under two circumstances. FMLA makes it unlawful for a covered employer to interfere with an employee's FMLA rights or leave or retaliate against an employee for exercising FMLA rights.

What are reasonable adjustments for depression?

Many people with a mental illness have a legal right to ask an employer for changes to be made to their jobs and workplaces. These changes ensure that, as long as you have the rights skills for it, there are no barriers to you being able to apply for or carry out a job.

Who pays for reasonable adjustments?

If something is a reasonable adjustment, your employer must pay for it. The cost of an adjustment can be taken into account in deciding if it is reasonable or not. However, there is a government scheme called Access to Work which can help you if your health or disability affect your work.

How long can I stay on a phased return to work?

around four weeks

Do you still get SSP on a phased return to work?

According to HMRC : 'If you agree a phased return to work or altered hours after a period of sickness, then you pay SSP for the days that your employee is sick in the normal way. Any day for which SSP is paid will count towards the maximum entitlement of 28 weeks.

What should you not say to occupational health?

What Not to Say to Occupational Health Assessment?
  • Do not insist that you don't need the occupational health assessment.
  • Try to be honest and don't lie about your symptoms.
  • Don't tell the occupational health expert that they are not a doctor.
  • Don't plead with the expert to help with your job or get you a good referral in some way.

Can an employer override a doctor's sick note?

The Government has indicated that employers may, in principle, be able to overrule a GP's advice in a fit note as to whether or not a person is potentially fit to return to work.

How long can you stay on the sick before dismissal?

four weeks

Can I take annual leave during phased return?

“During the rehabilitation period employers should allow employees to return to work on reduced hours or, where possible, be encouraged to work from home without loss of pay. Any such arrangements need to be consistent with statutory sick pay rules.”

When should a return to work be done?

A return-to-work interview must be conducted as soon as the employee returns to work – usually the day they get back. Getting the return-to-work interview completed before the employee begins working on the day they return will make sure that they are fit and ready to be back. They can get straight into their work.

Can I be forced back to work after an injury?

Can I Be Forced Back to Work After Injury? No. After you have received a Notice of Ability to Return to Work you cannot be forced to return to your job while you are still injured. For instance, you and your physician can protest the medical information that's been cited in the notice.

What is classed as long-term sick?

Long-term sickness absence is usually defined as a period of continuous absence of more than four weeks. The absence may be due to: an unexpected illness. a chronic condition.

Can I return to work before sick note ends?

You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and with your employer's agreement. This may be before your fit note runs out. For example, you may want to go back to work sooner if: you've recovered from your illness or injury sooner than expected.

How do you get paid on a phased return to work?

If you agree a phased return to work or altered hours after a period of sickness, pay SSP for the days that your employee is sick in the normal way. Any day for which SSP is paid will count towards the maximum entitlement of 28 weeks. Your employee's absence must form a period of incapacity for work before SSP is paid.

What can I claim after 28 weeks SSP?

If you are still sick at the end of 28 weeks, you may be able to transfer to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). SSP also stops if your job is terminated whilst you are off sick. If you have more than one job you may be entitled to SSP from each employer.

How long can a GP sign you off for?

If you're off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements or a doctor's note.

Can I refuse a back to work interview?

Of course, if an employee objects to a person conducting the interview and it's not justified, you can treat it as a disciplinary matter. Politely remind the employee that any unreasonable refusal on their part to engage in a return-to-work interview will result in disciplinary action.

Can I have a phased return to work?

There are no set guidelines in regards to a phased return to work, however the usual arrangement is that the employee is paid only for the hours actually worked. In some cases this will potentially mean that the employee's pay will reduce during a phased return to work until their hours increase again.

How does phased return to work affect pay NHS?

There is no right to full pay during a phased return (unless stated in your policy). But often annual leave hours can be used. If there are issues with your return, discuss them with your manager/HR and contact us if you need support.

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Is a phased return to work a reasonable adjustment?