Getting a Job: mental health awareness and help with employment

Legal rights

The Equality Act 2010 bans discrimination against people with a number of 'protected characteristics', including disability due to mental health problems.  It is not necessary to prove that a mental health problem affects your ability to do specific tasks.  Having a long term, or recurring, mental health problem is sufficient to be covered by the Act.  It gives both the right not to be discriminated against, and the obligation on an employer to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to work.  Mind provides a detailed explanation of the Act.

Choosing a job

It is important to think about what sort of job you want, or will be able, to do. While many people find having a job benefits their mental health, it is important to consider your resiliance and different features of possible jobs.  You may wish to consider a different type of work to that you hvae done in the past, or make a list of features that you do and don't want to be a part of a new job.

The application process

Rethink offers some great advice to help you deal with application forms, interviews, medical forms and examinations.  A recent change, following the Equality Act 2010, is that in most circumstances employers are no longer allowed to request you fill in a medical questionnaire before being offered a job.

Disclosure

You may wish to tell a possible employer about your mental health problem.  This is a personal choice and there are reasons both for and against disclosing.  Importantly, the law is there to protect you. The telling my manager page gives further information.

From benefits to employment

The Shaw Trust provides advice on how to move from benefits into employment. It offers a range of advice and training based on your needs together with individual support.  Jobcentreplus will also provide individually tailored advice to assist you in finding a job.  Your local Mind association may also be able to offer support and help you to ensure that work is right for you.

Staying in work

Shift has useful advice and information for employees and employers about mental health in the workplace, including how to deal with applying for jobs.

Directgov

This website provides lots of information on work schemes and programmes to support you when you return to work after a long period of sickness or unemployment.

Off work sick and worried about your job?

Mental health problems are one of the most common reasons for taking time off sick.  This booklet from the HSE is packed with great advice whether you are off work sick and worried about losing your job, or afraid that going back to work now will be bad for your health.