Government announces new plans to tackle work-related stress

The government has announced that it is to pilot a new eight million pound advice and support service for smaller businesses in attempt to help people with stress and other related mental health conditions find and retain employment.

Announced by the work and pensions secretary Peter Hain and health secretary Alan Johnson, the proposals will also see a three-fold increase in the number of employment advisers in GP surgeries.

Alan Johnson stated that it was a “terrible waste of talent” that each year lots of people are unnecessarily forced to give up their jobs because of mental health problems.

“This package is designed to help people keep well and in work, which will ultimately save businesses huge amounts in sick leave and contribute to a better quality of life for those who may have otherwise had to give up work,” he confirmed.

A national strategy for mental health and work is to be developed as part of the package which is intended to bring a coordinated response across government to engage in the challenges faced be people with mental health condition and improve their employment chances.

Earlier this month, health minister Ivan Lewis announced a 31 million pound funding boost to increase the number of beds and improve facilities in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services around the country.