In this episode, Matt and Stevie take a deep dive into vocational rehabilitation, a crucial but often overlooked part of the claims journey. This episode forms part of the IPTF’s ‘7 Claims Stories’ series and explores how tailored rehab support can transform a person’s recovery after illness or injury. They’re joined by Phil Deacon, who leads the project, alongside vocational rehab consultant Monica Garcia and protection adviser Charlotte Rogers, who each bring a unique perspective on helping people get back to work with confidence and care.

Vocational rehabilitation plays a transformative role in people's lives by supporting individuals with health conditions and disabilities to stay in work, return to work and sustain employment. This missing link in the recovery journey helps bridge the gap between medical treatment and a person's ability to perform their specific job functions.

Listen now to learn more about:

• How vocational rehabilitation consultants assess both physical and cognitive demands of roles to create bespoke return-to-work plans
• Common mental health conditions, musculoskeletal problems and cancer are the top three reasons for income protection claims
• How only 45% of the working population has access to occupational health support
• Why proportional benefit allows claimants to gradually increase working hours while maintaining some financial support
• How self-employed individuals are particularly vulnerable without workplace support structures
• Why the biopsychosocial model helps identify who needs additional support to return to work
• How early intervention significantly increases the chances of a successful return to work
• Why a 12-18 period off work means chances of returning "fall off a cliff"
• How advisers should encourage clients to notify insurers early, even with longer deferred periods
• How claims assessors need better training to identify when vocational rehabilitation could help
• How the industry could learn from countries like the Netherlands, the USA and Australia, where employers play a more active role
• How approximately 300,000 people leave the workplace yearly due to health conditions
• Why over 8.2 million people currently live with work-limiting health conditions in the UK

Links from the episode:

For more information, visit the IPTF website at iptf.co.uk, check the Chartered Institute of Insurers' Guide to Income Protection, or explore the Vocational Rehabilitation Association website.

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