Gatekeeper Improvement Act: do you know which steps are mandatory in the event of long-term absenteeism?
If an employee is ill for a long time, as an employer you will have to deal with the Gatekeeper Improvement Act (WVP). This law is intended to limit long-term absenteeism and promote the return to work. Both employer and employee have clear responsibilities.Correctly going through the reintegration process is important. Not only for a successful return of the employee, but also to prevent problems such as a wage sanction from the UWV.
What is the Gatekeeper Improvement Act?
The Gatekeeper Improvement Act prescribes the steps employer and employee must take during the first two years of illness. A plan for recovery and return to work is being worked on with the occupational physician or occupational health and safety service.
The most important steps
1. Disease Notification
In the event of a sick report, the employer registers the first day of illness and calls in the company doctor or occupational health and safety service. From the start, we look at how recovery and employability can be supported.
2. Problem analysis (week 6)
When the employee is ill for almost six weeks, the company doctor draws up a problem analysis. This describes what options there are for resuming work and what limitations are present.
3. Plan of action (week 8 at the latest)
Within two weeks after the problem analysis, the employer and employee draw up an action plan together. This sets goals, agreements and responsibilities.
4. Progress talks
Evaluation moments take place regularly during the process. Progress is discussed and, where necessary, agreements are adjusted. All actions and conversations are recorded in the reintegration file.
5. Implementation of the reintegration
Employer and employee implement the plan and actively investigate the possibilities for suitable work. Where necessary, work, working hours or the workplace are adjusted.
Why is timely action important?
The UWV assesses after two years of illness whether the employer and employee have made sufficient efforts for reintegration. If obligations have not been met or have not been met sufficiently, the UWV can impose a wage sanction.
Practical tip
Don't wait for deadlines to come into view. By actively managing contact, guidance and appropriate interventions from the first day of illness, you increase the chance of a successful and sustainable return to work.
The right intervention at the right time
A successful reintegration is not just about complying with legal obligations. It is precisely the timely use of appropriate interventions that increases the chance of sustainable recovery and a successful return to work.
GatekeeperDirect supports employers throughout the entire absenteeism and reintegration process and helps deploy interventions such as work expert research, coaching, psychological guidance, mediation and track 2 guidance. This way you meet your obligations én gives you employees the best chance of a successful return to work.
