University creates a tool kit for businesses in the area

LOUGHBOROUGH University has created a new toolkit for businesses based in the Midlands, which offers free resources and support to manage the return to work of employees on sick leave during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the Midlands Engine Mental Health and Productivity Pilot, Loughborough is leading a two-year project to provide new guidance and support to employees and their employers through the return to work process following absence from work.

The project toolkit offers step by step support to returning employees and employers in any size of business in any sector, as long as they are based in the Midlands. It can be used alongside a company’s existing return to work policy or on its own to help support an employee whilst on longterm sick leave (eight or more days).

Speaking about the project Dr Fehmidah Munir, from Loughborough’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said:

“This is an important time for us all to support the return to work of employees whilst taking care of their mental health. Our toolkit can be used by any employer or employee where mental health may be a concern, even if that is not their primary reason for sick leave.”

If you are based in the Midlands and are concerned about sick leave during these unprecedented times, you can find out more about the toolkit by contacting Dr Munir at f.munir@lboro. ac.uk

The project starts in September 2020 and ends in December 2021. There is no cost to take part.

The study involves the Universities of Warwick, Nottingham, Birmingham and Affinity Health at Work.