Ill Health Retirement (IHR) referrals

It is the employer’s decision whether the criteria above are met and then the tier to be awarded. The regulations state that before the employer makes these decisions, they must have obtained a certificate from an Registered Medical Practitioner (IRMP).

However, the employer is not bound by the IRMP’s opinion and should consider all other relevant evidence when arriving at their decision. Therefore, the Council is entitled to take other factors into account when making the decision. For example:

• is the certification or basis of opinion provided by the IRMP complete, or is anything missing or incorrect
• have all appropriate treatment options been explored
• have you cooperated with the medical treatment options available
• have you made lifestyle changes which might improve your health condition such as weight management, stopping smoking or using harmful products such as alcohol or non-prescribed drugs
• are there any other medical factors which the IRMP has not known about
• has the IRMP applied the criteria correctly
• have non-medical factors affecting the ability to carry out gainful employment been considered
• are there any other sources of evidence, which might contrast the medical opinion - for example, social activities

In some cases, the manager may decide that they need further medical information from the IRMP before making the decision. (The IRMP will then determine whether or not they need to go back to your GP or other medical professionals for any further information).

Although the decision is based on your medical situation there may be significant cost to the council for Ill Health Retirement and the senior manager, who will make the decision whether or not to terminate your employment on the grounds of ill health, must have the authorisation from the Assistant Director for the release of the monies to pay for the Ill Health Retirement costs.