Changing attitudes towards mental health
Posted on 6 August 2008
Poor mental health is one of the most commonly cited reasons for claiming Incapacity Benefit (IB). The Government has pledged to get a million people off IB by 2015.
Mental health and employment is one of the most challenging policy issues facing the UK
Professor Roy Sainsbury
The SPRU research also found that many employers and employees are very supportive of mental health conditions. When people did speak to their employers about their health issues, they usually received positive and constructive responses.
Additionally, the research discovered employers were keen to learn more about mental health issues, and would welcome more contact with GPs about individual employees with mental health problems so that they could plan better for their return to work.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said: "Mental illness can affect anybody, its causes are complex and everybody's recovery can be different, but it is clear that working can be an important part of some people’s recovery, or management of their condition. This research demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction helping people who can work back into employment and good health."
SPRU’s Professor Roy Sainsbury, who led the research team, said: "Mental health and employment is one of the most challenging policy issues facing the UK. While constructive legislation and employer policies and contact between employers, GPs and other health professionals are undoubtedly part of the way forward in improving the employment experiences of people with mental health conditions, long-term progress possibly lies in changing attitudes towards mental health across all groups in society.
Jane Aston, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies who led the research with employers, says: "The research found that early intervention is critical in addressing mental health problems at work, and a case-by-case approach yields the best results. Often, adjustments to the person’s role or workplace need only be minor and inexpensive. Line managers in any organisation have a vital role in recognising the signs of mental health problems, and being confident enough to talk to staff about it."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The report Mental Health & Employment can be found at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2007-2008/rrep513.pdf
- The Social Policy Research Unit has an international reputation for excellence in research in key areas of social policy, especially children, disability, social work, health and social care, poverty, social security, family and employment. More information at www.york.ac.uk/spru. SPRU is part of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York.