TUC publishes mental health guide

News | HSP
16.05.2008

The TUC has published new guidance on supporting employees with mental health conditions, ahead of it annual disability conference on 21-22 May.

The report recommends that unions and employers work together to encourage job applications from people with mental health issues, and says employers should encourage individuals to disclose any mental health problems they have.

The TUC says that at any given time as many as one in six workers will experience depression, anxiety or stress.

The guidance outlines practical steps unions can take, including appointing workplace mental health champions, who are trained to understand the issues and how they can be managed; reviewing policies to ensure they don't discriminate against members with mental health problems; and encouraging employers to set up an employee assistance programme.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Hundreds and thousands of people at work face ignorance, prejudice and stigma because of mental health problems. Even more - who are both able and willing to work - cannot get a job because of discrimination by employers, even though this is illegal under the Disability Discrimination Act.

"This report provides union reps with the information they need to help people with mental health problems keep their jobs and develop their careers. It will help unions work out how to make adjustments in the workplace for people with these health problems, and help employers keep their valuable and skilled staff."

Representing and Supporting Members with Mental Health Problems at Work can be downloaded here.