The sick-listed : an under-recognised resource in handling sickness absence

Abstract

In July 1993, several measures to stimulate return to work, like Active Sick Listing, formal decisions on sick leave beyond 12 weeks and commitments for employers to consider potential job adjustment were incorporated. The role of sickness as main cause to be entitled sickness benefits was simultaneously emphasised. However, despite av increasing focus on improving the necessary medical certificates required for sickness benefits, and on follow-up of sick-listed within the National Insurance Offices (NIOs), the sickness absence in Norway gradually increased from 1994.