Jersey service to help employees signed off from work

People receiving a sickness benefit can use the scheme

A new service to help people with health conditions manage their ability to work has been launched in Jersey.

The WorkWell service was announced in July and is now available for islanders receiving Short-Term Incapacity Allowance.

Advisers will support employees from any sector with a plan of activity, and is entirely voluntary.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Elaine Millar, said: "I am delighted we have launched this service."

She said: "Giving people options on how to manage their return to work is important and I am pleased we can provide guidance through this service.

"Employees can have an initial chat with the team and decide what the best options are for them.

"I am confident that employers will also feel supported through this service as it is in everybody's interests for Jersey's workers to feel like they are not prevented from working by common health conditions."

Islanders who have been signed off work for more than four weeks can access the scheme through a referral from their GP.

It is designed to help people manage common health conditions and stop them from needing to take longer absences from work.

It can also help with and approve a Return to Work Plan.

These are designed to make it easier for people to return to work after an illness, or to manage the effects of health conditions alongside the demands of work.

The new service will have a particular focus on supporting workers who are affected by mental health or musculoskeletal conditions.