New drive to tackle mental health in work

The government has launched a new initiative which aims to encourage employers to improve the way they deal with mental health in the workplace.

The three-year initiative, called 'Action on Stigma', calls on employers to sign up to a set of anti-stigma principles, such as demonstrating that they have made changes in their work environment and employment practices to ensure that people with mental health problems are treated fairly and equally with others.

Health Minister Rosie Winterton launched the initiative to mark World Mental Health Day with the publication of a document detailing the principles and highlighting existing best practice.

Although some of the principles are voluntary, the government said that the adoption of them would help public sector organisations, including local councils, government departments and hospitals, meet the requirements of a new duty under the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in December 2006.

The government said that many employers who have taken part in projects to make their workplace culture more 'mental health friendly' have reported reduced staff turnover and sickness absences.

However, only around 20% of people with severe mental health problems are employed, compared to 65% of people with physical health problems and 75% of the whole adult population.

Only around half of those suffering from more common types of mental illness, such as depression, are competitively employed.

Speaking at a visit to a programme run by Oxleas Mental Health Trust in south east London, Ms Winterton said: "There is no better time than World Mental Health Day to remind people that one in four of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in our lives and the cost to business and society is substantial. Ignorance and stigma still surrounds the issue of mental ill-health and when someone does develop a problem, they often do not get the support they need from society to help them recover.

"Employers can help by raising awareness of mental health issues amongst staff, supporting those affected and customers. This is good for staff and good for employers, who we know will benefit from reduced staff turnover and sickness absences."

(KMcA)