Request For Medical Examination for Persistent And Prolonged Sickness
This Request for Medical Examination Letter is used where an employee has a prolonged or persistent sickness absence and the employer wants further medical evidence.
It includes fit note requirements and is intended for cases where there are concerns about the employee’s health and ability to carry out their work.
When a Medical Examination May Be Requested
Under the Sickness and Absence Policy, the company is expected to be sympathetic to genuine illness or incapacity, but prolonged or persistent absence may still be investigated.
Where there are concerns about the employee’s health and fitness for work, the company may ask the employee to agree to:
- an independent medical examination; and/or
- the employer obtaining a report from the employee’s own doctor.
Steps to Take Before Sending This Letter
This letter should not be the first step. Before using it, the employer should investigate the reasons for the absence properly and consult with the employee.
That initial stage should include:
- a recorded discussion of the problem, for example backache, headache, or migraine;
- recommending medical advice; and
- allowing a period of time for improvement where appropriate.
If the problem continues, the employer should consider whether the employee has taken all available help before seeking permission to approach the employee’s GP and/or asking the employee to agree to an independent medical examination.
Absence Records and Refusal to Co-Operate
Records should be kept and analysed to establish the history and pattern of absences, including:
- Absence Self Certificate forms; and
- Absence Return to Work forms.
If the employee refuses to agree to an independent medical examination and/or refuses to allow a report to be obtained from their own doctor, that may lead to the commencement of the company’s Disciplinary Procedures and Policy.
Request For Medical Examination for Persistent And Prolonged Sickness is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.