16/07/08 - Publication of DWP research report: Mental Health and Employment

A research report was published yesterday on Mental Health and Employment. The study was designed to address a gap in knowledge about the circumstances that lead people to claim Incapacity Benefit because of a mental health condition, and what factors contribute to people with mental health conditions returning to work after a period on Incapacity Benefit. The study also explored employers’ understanding and experience of dealing with mental health conditions in the workplace.

Findings

• Large employers in the private and public sectors were usually well informed about mental health and had good links to occupational health services.
• Smaller employers had more partial knowledge and had limited access to advice and expertise.
• Employers did not expect to learn about an employee’s mental health condition at recruitment. Most became aware only when an employee became ill.
• However, people who had mentioned their mental health condition at work reported positive and constructive responses more than negative experiences.
• People who had taken time off work due to mental ill health generally described their GP as being supportive.
• A number of employers said they would like to work more closely with GPs to increase their understanding of employees’ mental health conditions and to develop job retention and support strategies.

The research was conducted during 2007 by the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York and the Institute for Employment Studies.

A copy of the report can be found at www.dwp.gov.uk�

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