Follow up on sickness benefits - part 1

On 1 July 2005, new rules and regulations took effect for local authorities' follow up on sickness benefit cases. The objectives of the initiatives are increased systematisation of case processing though categorisation, the use of standardized information forms and new follow-up rules, requirements for increased coordination with doctors and businesses, and new medical reports. The regulations require, among other things, the authorities to focus their follow-up intervention on sickness absentees who are at risk of losing their jobs.
This report, based on qualitative interviews with local authority officials, social workers, doctors and business leaders in five municipalities, shows that particularly the administrative regulations have largely been followed as intended. Sickness absentees are categorised largely as intended in the legislation; the new information forms are being used; and there is great focus on complying with the follow-up regulations.
However, there are still problems regarding the coordination of efforts with doctors and businesses. The report sheds light on some of the reasons for these issues.