Ensure companies treat Mental Health like they treat Physical Health

Mental Health is not given the same priority as Physical Health in the work place. Under the current climate this needs to change. Where with physical health the HSE recommend a first aid rep for companies with 5 - 50. The same recommendations need to be in place for Mental Health.

We understand that you are concerned about employers failing to adequately meet the mental health needs of their staff, but it's not clear what action you want the Government to take in response to this.

Employers are already required to make reasonable adjustments in respect of disabled people. This covers everyone who has a physical or a mental condition which has a substantial and long-term impact on their ability to do normal day to day activities: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-discrimination

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published advice on how employers can meet their obligations in respect of employees with mental health conditions: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/mental-health-your-business

People who feel they have been treated unfairly and want further advice can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service: https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

We could accept a petition calling on the Government require employers to take a particular action in respect of mental health, but it would need to be clear what action you want the Government to take.

We have already published the following petition, which you might like to sign:

Require all workplaces to have Mental Health First Aiders: Require all workplaces to have Mental Health First Aiders