New plans have been unveiled by the government to help employees suffering from stress in the workplace caused by the economic downturn.

The Department of Health revealed that measures such as talking therapies will be used to help those suffering from depression or anxiety return to work after long-term sick leave or unemployment.

In moves which could complement stress in the workplace training, the initiative will also involve a network of employment support workers and a dedicated phone line from NHS Direct staffed with advisers trained to recognise the early signs of depression in staff.

Alan Johnson, health secretary, commented: “In the current economic downturn, the potential exists for more people to become anxious or depressed and experience lower levels of mental wellbeing.”

Last week, Chris Simpson, an adviser with Business Link, recommended managers make use of stress in the workplace training to help staff affected by heavy workloads and the ongoing recession.

Article courtesy of Safety Media Ltd.

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