John
12-21-2010, 04:50 PM
A poll has suggested "prejudiced" British businesses are failing people with mental health conditions from recruitment level through to on-the-job support.
The report, commissioned by the charity Shaw Trust, says high levels of discrimination are matched by poor levels of support and understanding - costing firms 70 million days due to sickness and £26bn in financial losses each year.
The study's findings, taken from 500 businesses, also included half admitting they would not hire workers with mental health conditions due to negative staff attitudes.
Around 40% of employers were found to view workers with such conditions as a "significant risk".
The Shaw Trust says the results fly in the face of another finding: that 80% of business leaders say British industry "loses out" on crucial abilities, skills and talent by failing to recruit or retain a diverse workforce.
It is urging companies to sign up to a charter on mental health.
Sally Burton, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said: "Levels of prejudice and misunderstanding are alarmingly high, yet emotional and practical support remains low or often non-existent."
In reaction, Neil Carberry, who is head of employment policy at the business leaders' group the CBI, told Sky News that "employers take the well-being of staff very seriously".
He added: "Many companies have strategies in place to address mental health issues and recognise the benefits for the business and employees alike of this type of investment."
Source - Yahoo News.
The report, commissioned by the charity Shaw Trust, says high levels of discrimination are matched by poor levels of support and understanding - costing firms 70 million days due to sickness and £26bn in financial losses each year.
The study's findings, taken from 500 businesses, also included half admitting they would not hire workers with mental health conditions due to negative staff attitudes.
Around 40% of employers were found to view workers with such conditions as a "significant risk".
The Shaw Trust says the results fly in the face of another finding: that 80% of business leaders say British industry "loses out" on crucial abilities, skills and talent by failing to recruit or retain a diverse workforce.
It is urging companies to sign up to a charter on mental health.
Sally Burton, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said: "Levels of prejudice and misunderstanding are alarmingly high, yet emotional and practical support remains low or often non-existent."
In reaction, Neil Carberry, who is head of employment policy at the business leaders' group the CBI, told Sky News that "employers take the well-being of staff very seriously".
He added: "Many companies have strategies in place to address mental health issues and recognise the benefits for the business and employees alike of this type of investment."
Source - Yahoo News.