All Government policies should undergo a mental health impact assessment - Debbie Abrahams

Debbie Abrahams, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) report, which found that nearly one in three people have experienced mental health problems while in employment, up from one in four in 2011, said: 

“Employers cannot afford to ignore people’s mental health in the workplace, which is why we need robust frameworks to ensure early intervention and more support to keep employees in work.

“We should consider ensuring that major government policies undergo a mental health impact assessment so that the nation’s mental health needs are reflected in policy making across all government departments, as advocated in a report about Mental Health in Society, published earlier this year. However, the Tories continue to ignore advice about assessing the effect their policies might have on the mental health of the population.

“We need better occupational health support for more small businesses which should promote early intervention and make employees aware of the help available locally. The Government should work with organisations like the CBI, the FSB and trade unions to promote the role of good employers in improving and maintaining the workforce’s mental health.

“A workforce that feels supported and valued will be more motivated and productive at work.”