Our nationwide team of Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants (VRCs) are the main point of contact when looking to support an employee back to work. They have skills which include occupational therapy, psychology and health, nursing, rehabilitation counselling and disability management.
Generally our VRCs meet with individuals and their employers to discuss options and progress a return to work. Where appropriate, they will assist in preparing and facilitating a Graduated Return to Work plan. They can also help prepare the workplace for a return to work, providing information on any necessary adjustments.
In some cases, conditions affecting individuals mean it will not be possible for them to return to their original job. In these instances, VRCs help identify an individual’s strengths and interests and offer information and guidance on future employment options as well as possible re-training.
Each VRC covers a geographical area across the country and interacts with all parties as appropriate. Meetings can take place at the individual’s own home, workplace or anywhere they feel most comfortable.
Quote from a Unum Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant:
It’s clear to me that nearly all employees want to return to work in real jobs with real value. But every case I deal with requires a different solution. That’s why it’s so important that I can offer a flexible, tailor-made service for each individual and employer I work with.
In a recent customer satisfaction survey, 73% of individuals said that they were very satisfied with the support they received during their return to work, and more than 76% were very satisfied with the overall service they received from their VRC (Source: 2008 Unum customer satisfaction survey – Rehabilitation Services)
Telephonic Case Management
Unum also understands the need for employers to act quickly when an employee is planning to return to work after a period of sickness absence. Our Telephonic Case Managers, based in Basingstoke and Dorking, work alongside our Claims Management Specialists to provide a rapid response to employers who are seeking our help by progressing cases over the telephone. This has proved to be a very flexible approach for all parties in a range of situations.