Your employee has now been sick for nine months. At the latest in week 42 you must report this to the UWV (and often also to the income insurer). Around week 52 you complete the (First Year) Evaluation together: how has the reintegration gone so far, and what needs to change in year two?
Avoid wage penalty Make sure you have taken all necessary actions before week 52. If you have missed any opportunities, the UWV may impose a wage penalty when applying for WIA: you will have to continue paying wages for longer.
Role of the company doctor Before week 52, the company doctor makes a comprehensive overview of your employee's limitations and capabilities. On this basis, the occupational health expert looks at what work is still appropriate - either within or outside your company.
Temporary Contract Does a temporary contract expire during illness? Then decide carefully whether you want to extend it. This video shows what to look out for. Note: some insurers no longer offer coverage when extending the contract of a sick employee.
Second track: what if your employee doesn't return?
Is your employee sick for a year and is it uncertain whether he can return to his old position - or elsewhere within your organization? Then it's good to start thinking about the future:
Will you keep him employed?
Is there other suitable work with you?
Or should you look outside your organization?
Legal obligation If after 1 year and 3 months your employee cannot fully do his own work and there is no other suitable work within your company, you must start a second track together: searching for suitable work with another employer. You are jointly responsible for this.
Enlist help Engaging a reintegration specialist is smart - especially if your employee is experiencing additional obstacles due to age, education level or employment history.
What is part of second track? You document regularly in writing:
experience, education, skills and limitations
what type of work is being sought (industries/functions)
application activities and contact moments
Pay attention to wage sanction If your employee applies for WIA benefits after 1 year and 9 months, the UWV will also consider whether you have seriously addressed the second track. Have you taken too few or the wrong steps? Then you could receive a wage penalty.
Our advice: start on time, work carefully, and get good support. This will increase your chances of success and prevent unpleasant surprises.
Contact our Absenteeism Directors, they are happy to help!
Our experts are happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation
