Mental illness rising among staff

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A study of 30,000 workers found that mental ill health is now the second largest cause of time lost to sickness absence after muscle-related problems such as bad backs.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said the findings of its report will be "particularly worrying" for the Government in view of the "huge" increase in the number of people with mental health problems claiming incapacity benefit.

The poll showed that workers suffering from depression took an average of 30 days off, while stress sufferers were away for 21 days.

Ben Willmott, CIPD employee relations adviser, said: "This research shows how important it is for managers and HR practitioners to be aware of the signs of mental ill health so that they can take action early and provide support before the individual's condition deteriorates to the point they go off on long-term sick leave.

"However the Government also has a role to play in finding ways to help and encourage more employers to provide their staff with access to cost-effective occupational health services.

"We would like to see tax incentives introduced to encourage more employers to offer occupational health services to employees.

"Just as crucially, GPs need to work more closely with employers to identify opportunities for phased return-to-work for individuals with mental health problems in less demanding or reduced hours roles as part of their rehabilitation."