31 October 2006
Employers' Forum on Disability supports National Stress Awareness Day
The Employers' Forum on Disability is pleased to sponsor the third annual
The Employers' Forum on Disability is lending its support to National Stress Awareness Day 2006, which takes place on November 1st 2006.
As the authoritative voice on disability as it affects business, the Employers' Forum on Disability is committed to making it easier for employers to improve their approach to mental health.
The Forum believes that addressing mental health problems in the workplace is an essential component of creating a healthy working environment.
It is estimated that one in six people in the UK will currently be experiencing problems with their mental health.[1]
By taking a positive approach to dealing with stress, and mental health issues in general, employers will create a more productive working environment for current employees whilst also reaching out to a wider talent pool.
Niccola Swan, deputy chief executive at the Employers' Forum on Disability says: “Effective management of mental health in the workplace is not only good news for employees it is also good news for business.
Mental health problems account for the loss of over 91 million working days each year, costing British business four billion pounds a year.
Promoting good mental health at work can reduce sickness absence, increase retention and lead to higher levels of motivation and productivity.
The Employers' Forum on Disability is keen to support UK employers to respond to this business priority.”
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Notes
The Employers' Forum on Disability is the authoritative voice on disability as it affects business. It is funded and led by around 400 members who employ 20 per cent of the UKís workforce.
The Employers' Forum on Disability has recently launched its Mental Health Learning and Action Research Network, working with leading employers who have already demonstrated a significant commitment to this agenda. Attendees at the first meeting were drawn from BT, the Metropolitan Police, Rolls Royce, Royal Mail, UnumProvident and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.
The Network will be leading the way in analysing the systemic, social and environmental barriers that limit the employment opportunities available to people with mental health problems and producing recommendations for change. The Forum also hopes to maximise the learning from the Network to develop and test practical tools which can support employers to recruit and retain more people with mental health problems as part of a diverse workforce.
For further information on the Employers' Forum on Disability call the press office on 020 7403 3020 or email Issy Rule
Issy RuleEmployers' Forum on Disability press office
Mobile: 07754 522 521
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Web: www.employers-forum.co.uk
The Employers' Forum on Disability is a company limited by guarantee with charitable objectives. Registered charity no: 1018463
National Stress Awareness Day is an annual event (now in its eighth successive year) held on the first Wednesday in November. The event is organised by the International Stress Management AssociationUK (ISMAUK) - a registered charity (no. 1088103, and company limited by guarantee no. 4079657) with a multi-disciplinary professional membership. ISMA exists to promote sound knowledge and best practice in the prevention, reduction and management of personal and work-related stress; and sets professional standards for the benefit of individuals and organisations using the services of its members.
For further information on National Stress Awareness Day, please contact:
Mandy SmithEmail: mandy@rpr-positive.co.uk
Telephone: 01582 792346 / 07721 471575