EFD comments on research into how depression affects employees returning to work after long-term sickness

12th February 2009

It makes good business sense to support staff returning from long-term sick leave, Employers Forum on Disability (EFD) said today (12 February).

The comments are in response to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, which found that individuals returning to work following absence due to a physical condition are at risk of mild to moderate depression.

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of Employers' Forum on Disability: "This research highlights how it makes good business sense for employers to get it right when staff return to work after a period of ill health and experience mental distress.

"Our own research into the experiences of line managers found that many people want to support their staff with mental health problems, but are not sure how best to.

"Best practice on mental health at work is often about common sense principles like mental health awareness training and using cost-free, good management techniques. Above all, adjustments need to have the support of both employees and employers to be a success."

‘Returning to work, the role of depression' details the findings of a research study carried out by Loughborough University, which compared the return to work experiences of individuals with heart disease, back pain and cancer to individuals with depression and anxiety.

The report's findings, published today in the Occupational Health at Work journal, show that almost half (45%) of those with a physical condition experienced mild to moderate depression but were more worried about telling their employer about their mental health issues than their cancer or heart disease.

Ends

Notes to editors

For an executive summary of the research, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/return-to-work/

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.efd.org.uk