LU has altered it's policy on allowing drivers taking medication for depression to drive trains. Below is the company stance and forms used are attached.

LU article on the new procedure
Occupational Health revises advice it gives drivers

Occupational Health has revised the advice it gives to train operators regarding anti-depressant medication, following consultation with key internal stakeholders and medical experts.

Previous guidance for train operators/instructor operators with treated or untreated depression meant they were restricted from safety critical working. This was often for significant periods of time, leading to long periods spent in alternative duties and decreased train staff availability for the business

This new guidance is a huge change and will have real benefits for those suffering from depression and for the business.

The new approach is more evidence based and focuses on the individual. After manager referral, Occupational Health will assess employees as usual but now using specific criteria to determine whether a return to solo duties would be appropriate for that particular employee.

Occupational Health said: "This is about supporting train/instructor operators who are on medication for depression so they can continue in their normal role where possible, and to help increase staff availability for managers.

"In addition to helping staff get back to normal life quicker, we hope this new approach will help to decrease the stigma often surrounding this diagnosis in the workplace."