Remploy to provide support for mental health problems

A new government-funded “mental health in work” support service has been launched by specialist employer Remploy.

The £4.8 million contract between the Department for Work and Pensions and Remploy Employment Services will see Remploy delivering mental health provision and support under the Access to Work programme in England, Wales and Scotland.

Remploy has said this new service will assist more than 1,600 people with mental health conditions to stay in employment.

The service will provide support for six months and will include:

• a work-focused counselling service or other tailored work-focused mental health support;
  
• provision of a personalised action plan and exit report;
  
• employer education;
  
• assessing an individual’s needs and identifying coping strategies; and
  
• identifying reasonable adjustments in the workplace or within the confines of working practice.

Beth Carruthers, Remploy director of employment services, said: “Creating a mentally healthy and open workplace will help employers to reduce costs, improve commitment and satisfaction amongst employees.”

XpertHR suggests a number of steps that employers can take to ensure they are better equipped to manage mental ill health in the workplace.