10 October 2006
Employers' Forum on Disability supports World Mental Health Day 2006
The Employers' Forum on Disability is pleased to support World Mental Health Day 2006, which takes place today, Tuesday 10th October 2006.
As the world's leading organisation dedicated to disability as it affects business, the Forum is committed to helping employers to improve their approach to mental health in the workplace.
People with mental health problems represent an undervalued and untapped pool of talent and are four times more likely to be unemployed than non-disabled people. Up to 90 per cent of people with mental health problems want to work. Research shows that employment is good for mental health, whilst unemployment can be extremely damaging.
Statistics show that three in ten employees will acquire a mental health problem during the course of a year. Developing a working environment that promotes good mental health and encouraging supportive and responsive management practices is a core part of sustainable employment practices.
Niccola Swan, deputy chief executive of the Employers' Forum on Disability said:
“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 UK's 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
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
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