CLA Healthcare: Support your employees through illness or injury

When an employee experiences a serious illness or injury, the support they receive from their employer can make a lasting difference to their recovery and return to work.

While employers must meet their legal responsibilities, many also want to create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported throughout their recovery. Having the right policies and employee benefits in place can help reduce the impact of long-term absence for both your people and your business.

The first step is understanding your legal obligations.

Eligible employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), currently £116.75 per week, for up to 28 weeks. Alongside this, employers should maintain appropriate contact with employees during their absence, consider reasonable adjustments where required and manage sickness consistently and fairly.

A clear absence policy helps everyone understand what to expect. It should explain how absence is reported, what support is available and how long-term sickness will be managed. Consistency not only helps employees feel supported but also reduces the risk of misunderstandings.

For employees facing a prolonged illness or injury, Statutory Sick Pay may not provide enough financial security.

Group Income Protection provides ongoing financial support by replacing a proportion of an employee's income if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This allows employees to focus on their recovery without the added pressure of financial uncertainty.

Many policies also include rehabilitation and early intervention services, such as occupational health support or physiotherapy, helping employees access the right care sooner and supporting a successful return to work.

Early diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on recovery.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) gives employees faster access to consultations, diagnosis and treatment, helping to reduce delays that may be experienced through the NHS. Many policies also include valuable wellbeing services such as virtual GP appointments, mental health support, physiotherapy and second medical opinions.

Providing access to healthcare when employees need it can support better health outcomes and, where appropriate, reduce the length of sickness absence.

Returning to work after illness or injury should be carefully managed and tailored to the individual.

Keeping in regular contact during an employee's absence helps maintain a positive connection with the workplace and reassures them that support is available. Conversations should focus on wellbeing rather than creating pressure to return.

A phased return, temporary adjustments to duties or flexible working arrangements can help employees regain confidence while continuing their recovery. Where appropriate, occupational health advice can provide guidance on suitable adjustments and expected timescales.

If you offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), ensure employees know how to access it. Confidential counselling and practical support can be invaluable during recovery, particularly for those returning after a mental health condition or long-term illness.

Supporting employees through illness or injury is about more than meeting legal requirements. It's about creating a workplace where people feel cared for and supported when they need it most.

With the right combination of clear policies, effective communication and employee benefits, employers can help people recover with confidence while protecting the long-term health of their business.

At CLA Healthcare, we work with employers to find healthcare and employee benefits solutions that support both businesses and their people. Whether you're looking at Group Income Protection, Private Medical Insurance or wider wellbeing benefits, our team is here to help you find the right solution for your organisation.

Call us on 01274 717361 or email us at healthcare@cla.org.uk. Please have your CLA membership number to hand.