Mental health co-ordinators are to be based in jobcentres under
plans for a "radical overhaul" of support for people with mental health
conditions, the Government announced today.
Dedicated advice lines for small businesses will also be launched
under moves aimed at improving job opportunities as part of a new
mental health and employment strategy.
The advice lines will give small firms support to keep people in
work when health issues arise, offering direct access to occupational
health professionals, said ministers.
The announcement followed a review led by Rachel Perkins, a
specialist on mental health issues, on how to improve support for
people who were out of work and had mental health conditions.
Dr Perkins, who works for the West London and St George's Mental
Health Trust, said: "People with mental health conditions remain among
the most excluded within our society, particularly in the workplace.
"We know that work improves mental health and wellbeing and most
people with a mental health condition would like to be in work and
pursue a career."
Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The vast majority
of people with mental health conditions work, but for some people it
can be very hard to stay in a job.
"If people fall out of work and onto benefits it is even harder for
them to get back into work as it can be a real knock to their
confidence. We know that work is good for people and that's why we want
to give everyone the support they need to stay in a job, or get back to
work."
The minister is also expected to announce extra support for disabled people to find jobs.
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