DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2018 :: RMTnews 14 The theme of this years health and safety conference was mental health awareness with a motion proposed by Keith Simpson, Chester dealing with ‘Thriving at Work’ the Stephenson/Farmer review of Mental Health and Employers. Delegates called on the union to negotiate and implement the recommendations of the review with all the employers and work to expose the myth that health and safety is a burden on business. According to accountancy company, Deloitte, poor mental health costs UK employers between £33 to 42 billion a year, the UK government between £24 to 27 billion a year and between £74 to 99 billion a year to the UK economy. Therefore, it is imperative that British employers recognise that the ‘Mental Health Core Standards’ and ‘Enhanced Standards’ as proposed in the Stephenson/Farmer review are beneficial to business, the Government and the UK economy as a whole. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also spoke to delegates through a video link about the role of health and safety representatives and the importance of mental health awareness. He sent a message of solidarity and thanks to the union for inviting him to speak. “I want to send my solidarity and thanks for the work you do as RMT health and safety representatives. “I am proud of the links between the Labour Party and trade unions and as a former trade union official I understand the need for a strong trade union in every workplace. “The media may love to demonise us but we know the reality: unionised workplaces are safer workplaces. “Health and safety representatives reduce the number of accidents and work- related illnesses, helping not only workers and their families DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK Packed RMT health and safety conference deals with mental health at work