As indicated in our New Legislation, Guidance and Consultation blog, new guidance has recently been produced for employers on implementing mental health first aiders. The guide covers everything from assessing what support an organisation's staff currently receive and identifying how many mental first aiders are required, to creating a clear policy and role document setting out what is expected from the first aiders.
The House of Commons has also been debating mental health first aid in the workplace with the primary proposition being that the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 should be amended to require a trained mental health first aider in every workplace.
Finally, a survey of 1,000 workers has found that 25% have suffered from lack of concentration at work while thinking about managing their finances, and that productivity could be improved if workers had more control over their earned pay. The survey findings highlight a need for employers to consider a financial wellbeing strategy that offers guidance to workers and facilitates them in reaching out and asking for help if they need it.
