New policies needed for mentally ill workers
Fri 9 May 2008
08/05/2008
New policies are needed for mentally ill workers, the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said. Trevor Phillips called for a radical rethink by employers who, he said, need to create a level playing field. "By shutting people with a mental health condition out, we turn our back on enormous talent and potential," he told the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health. He noted only 40 per cent of employers are prepared to take on workers with mental health conditions. "Individual employers need to be aware of the reasonable adjustments they could make to the workplace so that it is feasible for people with mental health issues to stay in employment." Mr Phillips suggested employers could offer more support, flexible hours, a mentor and greater understanding around sick and unpaid leave. The Department for Work and Pensions recently announced it is to provide more money to help disabled workers move into sustained employment.
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