ICTU Mental Health in the Workplace – Supporting Good Practice, Breaking the Stigma

On Thursday 14 and Friday 15 February 2019, trade union delegates from across the island of Ireland are gathering for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Annual Disability Seminar in Belfast.

Anxiety and stress has now become the second most common reason for sickness across the workforce as a whole, totalling 30% of all absences. The Seminar is focusing on breaking the stigma of mental ill health in the workplace, as well as exploring how workers can be supported and what can be done when work becomes a source of ill health.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: “Mental ill health is a very serious and prominent issue in today’s society and needs to be tackled head on. I commend the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for their work in shining a light on the issue and exploring how vulnerable people in the workplace can be given access to the support they need to overcome mental ill health.”

Assistant General Secretary of the ICTU Owen Reidy told delegates from workplaces across the public and private sectors that:

 “We hear a lot about breaking the stigma when it comes to talking about mental health but I think that we must acknowledge that for many people to admit to having mental ill health in a workplace context leaves them incredibly vulnerable.  That is why the trade union movement must work with employers and others to ensure there are adequate protections and support as well as normalisation and mainstreaming of mental health issues.” 

The Seminar will be addressed by the Equality Commission NI, employers, mental health organisations and a range of trade union leaders and activists.

Photo by Kevin Cooper.