Mental Health

Unions have a long history of campaigning for change in the workplace and beyond, not only on employment rights or safety issues but also on the way people are viewed in the workplace and in society. There is much stigma and discrimination around mental health and particularly mental ill health. These are issues of justice, equality and fairness – core trade union business. With the impact of austerity contributing to ever-increasing levels of workplace stress, there has been an increase in the prevalence of mental ill health.

People with mental health issues continue to have one of the lowest employment rates of any group of disabled people

Unions can take make a significant difference by:

Ensuring they can negotiate effective policies with the employer;

Ensuring they can represent members with mental health problems effectively; and

Helping inform and educate their members and representatives to understand the issues.

Resources

20 minute suicide awareness training (zerosuicidealliance.com)