News
Health at Work Advice Line Wales
8 Nov 2011What do SME’s do when key staff are sick?
Small to medium sized business rely heavily on their employees, who all play a key role in the success of the business. Having a workforce that is physically and mentally well and in work is high on the agenda for many employers. Unlike large scale businesses who will either have their own Occupational Health Department or contract in such services, SME’s may not have access to the advice and guidance that Occuptional Health staff could provide.
A helpline is available in Wales with funding from the Department of Work & Pensions in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government to provide SME’s with a free 24/7 advice line. Callers to the service can be employers who need information on what steps to take to help an employee to return to work after a period of sick leave, or they may need advice on dealing with an employee with an ongoing physical or mental problem – whatever the nature of the health related problem, the helpline will ensure access to speedy professional advice.
Employees can also access the service and remain anonymous if they wish whilst finding out what procedures their employer should be following and how they can help themselves to return to work when some adjustments may be needed to their role or just something as simple as a different type of chair to sit in.
The helpline is available 24/7 with Occupational Health Nurses available during office hours. Callers ringing outside these hours will be offered a call back at a time convenient for them.
Janet Roberts, Helpline Manager said "This is a new idea to help small and medium sized business to access the professional advice and guidance that larger businesses need to have on site. We hope that businesses will find the service useful and certainly callers to date have been grateful for the information and advice supplied. If you work in or manage a small to medium sized business and think we can help with an issue you are trying to deal with, call us – it could make all the difference.
contact: Janet Roberts 01978 366206
Service Details:
Contact: Freephone 0800 107 0900
Opening Hours: 24/7