Disability Matters – Focusing on Depression and Anxiety
The Office of National Statistics reported this year that over ten million working age people reported having a disability. This represents almost a quarter of the working age population and is an increase of almost half a million from the same time last year.
Mental health conditions continue to increase, with the amount of people reporting a mental health condition as their main disability increasing by 1.2 million over the past decade. This increase is even greater amongst people with depression, bad nerves and anxiety. These conditions have increased by 112% since 2014.
Amy O’Shea, our Assistant Office Manager, is organising ‘Dawn of Hope’ – a sponsored walk on Friday 13 September 2024 to raise funding and awareness for Grassroots Suicide Prevention. You can read Amy’s blog about her personal experience of suicide that has inspired her to put on this event here.
Leading on from Amy’s walk “Dawn of Hope” we have decided to focus our annual ‘Disability Matters’ campaign throughout October on depression and anxiety. Our campaign offers practical advice to employees concerned about disability discrimination in the workplace, and educates employers about best practice on making reasonable adjustments so there is a level playing field.
One important step business owners and HR can take is to train a member of staff, preferably someone who deals with sickness absence and back to work interviews, as a Mental Health First Aider. We would strongly advise all businesses to train an employee to gain the knowledge, awareness and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health. They are also trained so they are confident to start a conversation and signpost their colleague to appropriate mental health support agencies.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are classed as ‘hidden disabilities’. Many people who have these conditions feel a sense of shame and are reluctant to disclose this at work.
We believe that making your workplace somewhere where employees with mental health conditions are truly supported will make it a happier, kinder and more productive place for all.
We are proud to support Amy in raising funds for Grassroots Suicide Prevention as this is key to the values that we hold dear as a community legal firm. We welcome businesses and individuals to walk with us on 13 September by signing up to take part in our walk – find out more here, and/or donate to our JustGiving page here.
For expert advice for employers and employees, contact our Employment Law Team on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
