Employers risk missing out on talents of people with mental health problems

Employers risk missing out on talents of people with mental health problems if they make false assumptions, says EFD.

Employers who make false assumptions about job applicants with mental health problems risk missing out on a potential talent pool, says Employersí Forum on Disability (EFD) today (6 February).

The comments are in response to Cheltenham Borough Councilís decision to take legal action against Christine Laird, its former managing director, for not declaring her mental health history on her job application.

EFDís Chief Executive Susan Scott-Parker said: ìThis case illustrates that the ignorance that surrounds mental health issues means that some employers risk missing out on the talents of people with mental health conditions.

ìMaking negative assumptions about what a person with mental health problems can and cannot do is also direct discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act.

ìIt makes good business sense for employers to get it right on all areas of disability, including mental health. Disability confident organisations are better employers for everyone, and make significant cost savings and productivity gains through developing more efficient recruitment, employment and customer service processes.

ìIn a case like Christine Lairdís, time and money can often be saved by making small, cost-free adjustments, such as flexible working hours, that support an employee to perform well.

ìOur own research into line managersí attitudes into mental health at work found that many line managers often want to support employees experiencing mental distress, but lack the means or authority to do so.

ìThatís why we provide our members with practical advice and support about making reasonable adjustments on mental health. Now more than ever, as we face unprecedented economic challenges, employers need a flexible workplace that makes the most of all their workforceís skills and talents.î