The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has published a report, in conjunction with Disability Forward, containing information about making adjustments in the workplace to help people experiencing mental distress or ill health, and to help employers retain skilled staff.

According to the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, one in six employees experiences depression, anxiety or stress-related problems. The TUC says that simple steps, including identifying symptoms of mental health problems early, can promote employees’ well-being and cut down the number of days lost to sick leave.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber says: “Hundreds and thousands of people at work face ignorance, prejudice and stigma because of mental health problems. Even more – who are both able and willing to work – cannot get a job because of discrimination by employers, even though this is illegal under the Disability Discrimination Act.

“This report provides union reps with the information they need to help people with mental health problems keep their jobs and develop their careers. It will help unions work out how to make adjustments in the workplace for people with these health problems, and help employers keep their valuable and skilled staff.”

The report, Representing and Supporting Members with Mental Health Problems at Work, recommends that unions work with employers to encourage job applications from people with mental health issues and that they urge individuals to disclose any mental health problems they may have.

Other recommendations include:

• Ensuring that as many reps as possible have had training on mental health at work
• Training mental health champions, who have a more thorough understanding of mental health problems and know about supporting people more effectively in the workplace
• Networking with other unions to share knowledge and good practice
• Reviewing policies and procedures to ensure they are not discriminatory
• Helping employers set up support meetings with people with mental health problems so that concerns and recommendations can be reported to managers
• Encouraging employers to set up formal Employee Assistance Programmes, so people can receive counselling and advice.

 Representing and Supporting Members with Mental Health Problems at Work can be downloaded from http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/mentalhealth.pdf

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