Employees with Mental Problems to Be Helped by the Government
September 4th, 2009
In a concerted effort for improving workplace conditions for employees with mental problems like distress and hypertension, the government has proposed a scheme for providing extra support to such employees so that they can deal with their problems and stay at work.
Jim Knight, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform, recently announced the nationwide scheme that would provide such support along the lines of the pilot project In Work Support, that uses retention specialists to help employees suffering from mental problems and provide them with emotional support and counselling. The experts also offer to negotiate with employers and try to bring changes in the working conditions for the employees to suit their specific requirements.
The trial scheme in collaboration with mental health charity Mind has so far registered a huge success to the tune of 90% in helping employees with mental conditions to retain their jobs. This scheme not only helps employees in dealing with their condition but also motivates them for self-referral.
Following the success of the scheme, the government has proposed its very first National Strategy for Mental Health and Employment, which is scheduled to be published by autumn this year. The publication will take into account suggestions from a number of employers, employees, doctors etc. in trying to improve work conditions for employees with special needs. The Access to Work fund is also likely to be increased from £69m to £138m before 2015, and the money will be utilized in providing financial support and advice to employers and employees throughout the country.
The Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) is the country’s most popular HR qualification and is for those who are involved in HR/personnel activities. The course provides a firm foundation in all the areas of personnel and will help organisations to gain a broad grasp of employment law so they will be able to set their own organisation’s policies and procedures in context.
Knight further added that employers are always keen on retaining good employees and hence are appreciative of the government’s plans. The scheme is aimed at early assistance to employees so that a long-term absence can be prevented. Further, it is of common knowledge that a healthy workforce is the backbone of an economy, and so sick leaves and benefits will only aggravate workers’ mental problems, bring further losses to organizations and eventually weaken the national economy.