At any one time, one in six British workers will be affected by a mental health condition or problems relating to stress. Work related stress is the biggest occupational health problem in the UK after musculoskeletal disorders. The total cost of mental health problems to employers is estimated to be £26 billion each year. That is equivalent to £1,035 for every employee in the UK workforce. It accounts for 40% of all days lost through sickness absence is responsible for 70 million...
At any one time, one in six British workers will be affected by a mental health condition or problems relating to stress. Work related stress is the biggest occupational health problem in the UK after musculoskeletal disorders.
The total cost of mental health problems to employers is estimated to be £26 billion each year. That is equivalent to £1,035 for every employee in the UK workforce.
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What are employers’ obligations and what are employees’ rights?
Employers need to be aware of disability discrimination laws. A new Equality Act came into force in October 2010. Under this Act, a mental health condition is considered a disability if it has a long-term effect on normal day-to-day activity.
The Equality Act applies to all employers in the UK, including contract workers. The most important things to note are:
Are there specific issues in the workplace that affect mental health?
When people feel under pressure at work it can lead to stress and anxiety. A short period of stress on its own is not likely to be considered a disability under law, but prolonged stress is more serious and can make existing mental health problems worse. It is in the best interests of employers and employees to avoid this situation, and create mentally healthy workplaces that are free from discrimination and where well-being is a priority.
What can businesses do to support mental health?
Mental health issues do not need to stop individuals from working. With the right support and the right job, people with mental health problems can perform vital roles in workplaces across the UK.
First appeared in SHP online
Lara Wood, Rehabilitation Consultant - Claims Operations