Response to Long Term Absence (LTA) as a result of illness, injury or impairment has the capacity to “disable" an individual. The process through which this transition occurs is complex and relatively undocumented but involves the work/welfare axis. It is a process that results in economic and social costs for the State, the employer and the individual. Improving the means by which work and welfare based systems manage the challenge of LTA and "disability" must be a key element of any strategy focused on improving quality of life, increasing economic growth and employment, achieving equal opportunities and promoting social inclusion. Return will characterise and describe LTA responses in a number of EU Member States. It will identify enabling and disabling factors within each system. The results will include a package of practical tools to address LTA and return to work and recommendations for strategies to stem the "work to welfare" out flow from employment.