Stress-related absence targeted
The new scheme aims to reduce stress-related sicknotes
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Tuesday, 27, Nov 2007 02:12
A new package has been unveiled by the government today in an attempt to reduce the number of stress-related sicknotes.
Health secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme is designed to help people with mental health problems stay in work.
This would benefit businesses as well as employees, he claimed, as it "will ultimately save businesses huge amounts in sick leave and contribute to a better quality of life for those who may have otherwise had to give up work".
"Each year many people are unnecessarily forced to give up their jobs because of mental health problems, which is a terrible waste of talent for British business and a great loss to the individual," he added.
About 40 per cent of people currently receiving incapacity benefits are doing so because of mental ill-health.
Under the scheme the number of employment advisers in GP surgeries will treble and a new £8 million advice and support service for smaller businesses will be trialled.
An emphasis will be placed on the capacity, rather than incapacity, of workers with mental health illnesses to carry out jobs.
The scheme also aims to make it easier for GPs to provide more helpful advice to patients and their employers about their fitness for work.
A group of business, medical, academic and stakeholder representatives chaired by the national director for health and work, Dame Carol Black, will oversee the new strategy.
"We know that being in work is usually good for people with all types of mental health problems, whereas being out of work can lead to an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression and increased use of medication," said work and pensions secretary Peter Hain.
"Work doesn't have to be part of the problem, it can be part of the treatment too.
"So there is a clear need to support people with mental health conditions to overcome or manage their problems, helping them to find or remain in work."