Return-to-Work Interview: What It Covers and What the Law Says

What a return-to-work interview is

A return-to-work interview, or return-to-work meeting, is a conversation between a manager and an employee after a period of sickness absence. The meeting is usually short and held on the employee's first day back or soon after.

ACAS says it is not a legal requirement to hold one, but the return process belongs in the employer's absence policy.

What the meeting covers

ACAS lists the purposes of the return to work meeting as making sure the worker is ready to return, giving updates on work while they were off, discussing any support they need and agreeing a return plan where appropriate. The meeting can also agree what colleagues are told about the absence and what stays confidential.

ACAS says managers can watch for underlying causes such as stress or disability, but the worker does not have to share medical details.

Fit notes and phased returns

Employees can self-certify for the first 7 calendar days of sickness. An employer can ask for a fit note after more than 7 days in a row, including non-working days.

A fit note marked may be fit for work can suggest a phased return, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations. The fit note advice is not binding on the employer. If no adjustments are agreed, the same note serves as evidence for sick pay.

Medical evidence for sickness absence

Length of absence	Evidence
Up to 7 calendar days	Employee self-certifies (form SC2 or the employer's own form)
More than 7 days in a row	Employer can ask for a fit note
Who can issue a fit note	GP or hospital doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist
"May be fit for work" options	Phased return, altered hours, amended duties, workplace adaptations

Source: GOV.UK: statutory sick pay notice and fit notes; DWP fit note guidance

Disability and reasonable adjustments

ACAS states that, for a disabled worker, the employer reviews their reasonable adjustments at the return-to-work meeting.

Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer must make adjustments for a disabled employee where the adjustments are reasonable.

ACAS gives the recording of disability-related absence separately as one example of an adjustment.

Records and sick pay

Employers must keep records of leave and sickness absence for 3 years from the end of the tax year they relate to.

Statutory Sick Pay for 2026/27 is £123.25 a week or 80% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, paid from the first full day of sickness. An employer cannot withhold Statutory Sick Pay because a fit note arrives late.

Frequently asked questions

Is a return-to-work interview a legal requirement?

No. ACAS says a return-to-work interview is not a legal requirement, but the return process belongs in the employer's absence policy.

What is discussed at a return-to-work interview?

ACAS lists readiness to return, updates on work, any support needed, a return plan where appropriate, and what colleagues are told.

Does an employee have to give medical details?

No. ACAS says the worker does not have to share medical details, though managers can watch for causes such as stress or disability.

When is a fit note needed?

Employees can self-certify for the first 7 calendar days. An employer can ask for a fit note after more than 7 days of sickness in a row.

What is a phased return to work?

A gradual return, such as reduced hours or amended duties, which a fit note marked may be fit for work can suggest. The advice is not binding on the employer.