The Government, employers and social partners are to examine ways of providing greater support in the workplace for people who suffer from mental illness, following recommendations outlined in a major report yesterday.
The National Economic and Social Forum's (NESF) report on mental health and social inclusion shows that mental illness has deep social and economic costs.
It estimates that the loss of earnings arising from it costs between 3 and 4 per cent of the State's gross domestic product.
Instead of treating the problem purely as a medical one, the NESF says work is the best route to recovery.
It also says social supports help protect against mental ill health and that reducing stigma and strengthening communities supports mental health.
Dr Maureen Gaffney, chairwoman of the NESF, said employers will need to make greater efforts to support mental health in much the same way as companies have responded to issues such as bullying in recent years.
"Many employers consider it a risk to take on people with mental ill health and would be less likely to promote them, and likely to reduce their level of responsibility," she said. "Only 20 per cent of employers have mental health policies in place, but nearly all employers in the surveys would welcome information and guidance in this area."
She said research shows that employment is the best protection against social exclusion, while ensuring those suffering from mental illness can keep in touch with friends, family and the wider community is vital to their recovery.
Individuals, their families and mental health professionals cannot confront mental health problems on their own. Instead, employers, community leaders and others needed to assume collective responsibility for confronting and resolving them, she added.
"Everyone has a part to play in shaping mental health, not only in communities, but in the workplace and schools. As the evidence shows, action at social and community levels can make a real difference," she said.
Some of the main recommendations for change in the workplace include:
Developing a health and well-being framework strategy for the workplace by social partners;
Drawing up a code of practice on mental health in the workplace by the Health and Safety Authority;
A strategic plan for the delivery of training, work and employment services to help people return to work.
Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin said the proposal relating to a health and well-being framework strategy must be positively received by all social partners.
"This would set out the important role of Government, employers and the other social partners in working together to foster positive mental health attitudes and system supports in the workplace . . . It would support those who become ill while at work as well as providing a co-operative forum to advance the employment opportunities for those recovering from mental ill health," Mr Martin said.
Dr Gaffney also said she was convinced the report's recommendations would be implemented because of the clear benefits to be gained for society and the economy, but also because they will feed into the forthcoming partnership talks.
She said that while the social partnership model was often criticised, it had a track record of helping to implement change, although not as quickly as many might like.
The report is available at: www.nesf.ie/publications.asp