Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Occupational health referrals

What an occupational health referral is for, what to expect, and how the report is used by your employer.

Guidance, not legal advice. This page summarises official UK sources listed below. What applies to you depends on your circumstances and nation.

Last reviewed
1 August 2026
Next review due
1 February 2027

What occupational health is

Occupational health is a workplace health service, usually separate from your GP or specialist care, that advises employers on fitness for work and possible adjustments. A referral is common during sickness absence, before a phased return, or when starting a physically or mentally demanding role.

What happens at an appointment

  • You are usually asked about your condition, its effects at work, and any treatment, only so far as is relevant to your job
  • You can ask what will and will not be shared with your employer before the appointment
  • The resulting report usually goes to you and your employer, focusing on functional effects and recommended adjustments rather than full clinical detail

Your rights

  • You should be told the purpose of the referral in advance
  • Under the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 (or equivalent), you can usually see a medical report before it is sent and ask for corrections of factual errors
  • You can raise concerns if you feel a report is being used unfairly

Checklist

  • Ask in advance what questions your employer has asked occupational health to answer
  • Prepare a short summary of how your condition affects specific tasks
  • Ask for a copy of the report and check it reflects what you said

Where to get help