Mental health at work

Over the last few years mental health has become a great level of concern for the government. The latest review has found that 300,000 people lose their jobs per annum due to mental health problem. There are calls for changes to the law to improve employers’ approach to this issue.

According to the independent review employers lose up to £42 billion a year due to mental health issues. The UK economy is said to lose up to £99 billion.

The review urges employers, disregarding the size or industry, to adopt six ‘mental core standards’ details of which are as follows:

1. Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work plan.

2. Develop mental health awareness among employers.

3. Encourage open conversations about mental health, and provide support when employees are struggling.

4. Provide employees with good working conditions.

5. Promote effective people management.

6. Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing.

The review encourages public-sector employers and private companies with over 500 employees to adopt further enhanced standards.

Changes is legislation, eg the Companies Act are likely to encourage employers to report on workplace mental health on their websites and other channels. Also, there is a suggestion that the law on reasonable adjustments should be enhanced to protect employees with fluctuating mental health conditions.

If there is a person among your staff who may be suffering from mental illness do not hesitate to contact us for support and legal guidance.