Manage and support employees with mental ill health

Mental health issues can develop at any stage of an individual's life. Mental ill health can range from feeling 'a bit down' to common issues such as anxiety or depression to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Many forms of mental ill health are likely to be disabilities and, where that is so, as an employer, you have a responsibility under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that relevant job seekers and employees are not subjected to disability discrimination.

In addition, it is also good to have an open and inclusive workplace culture that displays respect for people with mental ill health, as it will bring many benefits to you and your employees.

This guide looks at problems that could arise from the poor management of mental ill health in the workplace, the advantages of promoting a good mental health workplace culture, and how to support employees with mental health issues.

It also highlights the range of support that employers can access and positive action measures that they can take, including signing up to the Equality Commission's Mental Health Charter.