Returning to work after a brain injury

Are you struggling or worried about returning to work?

If yes, please discuss this with your Occupational Therapist. They are here to help you. You can also contact CABIS on 0191 566 5650 if you have any questions.

Occupational Therapists support people in regaining their independence after an injury or illness. This includes supporting a return to meaningful activities, including work.

Your clinician will complete an assessment with you. This will help us understand how your injury or illness affects your ability to do your job. It will also help to identify any difficulties.

We will work with you to find other work activities or placements to benefit both you and your employer.

This will prepare you for a return to work or think about different roles. It might also include looking at work options elsewhere.

A return to your previous role may not be suitable. Our Vocational and Rehabilitation Coordinator can assist you with:

• Developing your work skills
• Looking at new job opportunities
• Training for a different type of work

Your employer may have an occupational health provider. This independent service aims to keep you healthy and safe at work. They focus on your health in relation to your job, not your employer’s decisions.

They may access your medical records to recommend reasonable adjustments for your return. These may include phased return plans, flexible hours, or special aids.

Occupational health is different from your NHS Occupational Therapist. Both work together during your recovery to support you and your employer.

Hospital doctors or your GP can give you a fit note if you are too ill to work. Occupational Therapists cannot give fit notes.

You will need a fit note if you are off work for more than seven days. Make sure you give the fit note to your employer.

You can talk to your employer if you feel ready to go back to work before the fit note ends.

Fatigue is common after a brain injury. There are also lots of other symptoms that can affect your ability to do your job.

Here are some tips to help you manage:

• Try to keep to a daily routine
• Keep a daily log to track how many hours of activity you are managing
• Prioritise tasks and pace yourself
• Take regular breaks
• Gradually increase your activity level

When should I return to work?
This will be different for everyone. Your team will help you decide based on your symptoms, recovery, and job demands.

What if I can’t return to my old job?
Our Vocational and Rehabilitation Coordinator can help. You might explore new roles, training, or other employment options.

Will I be able to return full-time?
You might consider a phased return or fewer hours at first. Your clinician, occupational health provider, and your employer can support you with this.

What are reasonable adjustments?
These are changes to your job or work environment to support your return. Things like flexible hours, special aids, or changing certain job tasks.

Telephone us on 0191 566 5650

We are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm. You can leave a message on our secure voicemail system outside of these times.

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Free, impartial advice on workplace rights rules and best practice. Includes online tools and helplines for resolving workplace issues.
Helpline: 0300 123 1100
Website: www.acas.org.uk

Jobcentre Plus
Employment advice, job search and benefit support.
Telephone: 0800 169 0190
Website: www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Access to Work
May be able to provide funds to help you stay in work, for
example tools or travel costs.
Website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Equality Act 2010
A law that protects you from unfair treatment and shows employers how they must support you at work.
Website: www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Scope
Free online and telephone support for disabled people seeking paid work.
Telephone: 0808 800 3333
Website: www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/work-careers

National Careers Service
Free careers information, advice and guidance at all stages in your career.
Telephone: 0800 100 900
Website: www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website: www.cntw.nhs.uk/contact/complaints
• telephone the Complaints Department on 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected].

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
• complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
• other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved one’s care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne/North Cumbria
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: [email protected]
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

An answerphone is always available for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2026 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/944/0126 January 2026 V1
Review date 2029

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk