The Society of Occupational Medicine has stated that people with mental ill-health should not be “written off” at work, but instead receive better support.
SOM responded to comments by Wes Streeting, the secretary for health and social care. Streeting said that mental health disorders are “overdiagnosed” with “too few people being written-off”.
In response to Streeting’s comments on BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg Professor Neil Greenberg (SOM president-elect) said: “While more people being diagnosed as having mental health disorders could be seen as problematic, it is important to help people with mental conditions return to, or stay at work, and to be successful there.”
He said that people can often be prevented from reaching their full potential in the workplace by less severe mental conditions.
Professor Greenberg said that if people with these conditions could access treatments based on evidence, the vast majority would be able do fulfilling work.
“Occupational health professionals have the experience and expertise needed to assist employers in ensuring that employees with mental or physical conditions are productive at work.
It is in everyone’s best interest to help people with mental illnesses find work. “Good work can improve self-esteem and confidence, which will have a positive effect on mental health symptoms,” said Professor Greenberg.
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
