Mental Health Matters

Apr 15 2008 By The Journal

EMPLOYERS, did you know that mental health problems account for one third of all sickness absences, or that the cost of this absence, when added to those who are out of work with mental health issues, costs the economy close to £10bn?

Jobcentre Plus and Equality North East have joined forces to host two events in the region aimed at providing help and advice to employers. Tim Bird, diversity and equality manager at Jobcentre Plus, hopes the events will lead to significant changes in the way employers approach mental health in the workplace.

Tim says: "By taking a positive approach, employers can create a more productive working environment for their current staff, as well as gaining access to a potential pool of future employees."

The events are free and will be held on Thursday, May 8 in Newcastle and Thursday, May 15 in Middlesbrough. Employers will learn about the support available during recruitment, through the early days of employment, and on an ongoing basis afterwards.

Tim says: "The North East has amongst the lowest rates of employment in the working age population, the lowest percentage of people with a mental health problem in employment, and the highest number of people claiming incapacity benefits for mental and behavioural disorders. We hope these events can help to improve some of these figures and provide employers with some practical advice and information for their current and future workforce."

To attend either of these free events, contact Kate Tomlinson on (0191) 211 4283 or e-mail:catherine.tomlinson@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk or John Raine on (0191) 495 6264 or e-mail: john@equality-ne.co.uk