EFD responds to return to work 'good for health' report
7th August 2008
We welcome the recent Department for Work and Pension (DWP) research that suggests that most people with long-term physical and mental health problems benefit from getting back to work.
The widespread stigma that surrounds mental health can prevent some employers from tapping into the talent pool of disabled people, including those with mental health problems.
We know from the experience of our members that targeted recruitment with disabled benefit claimants has benefits across the business. Disabled workers often have an extremely strong work ethic and are particularly loyal employees.
However, we are concerned that the DWP report calls for an awareness-raising campaign to bring mental health resources to the attention of line managers.
This report risks being a red herring that does not address the main challenge employers face: getting good quality information and advice that is relevant for their individual organisations.
Employer's Forum on Disability recently carried out research into line managers' attitudes towards mental health and we found that line managers need more information, help and support from their employers if they are to deal sympathetically and effectively with mental ill health.
While we found some good practice, some organisations have almost no understanding of mental ill health and few resources to help employees experiencing difficulties.
It is vital that employers have easy access to relevant, good quality information when they need it most so they can act quickly to support employees. Any attempts to reduce the numbers of disabled claimants need to build on good practice from employers if they are to be a success.
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Notes to editors
Media enquiries, please contact:
Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.