NHS takes lead on mental health at work

The Department of Health has issued guidance on mental health and employment in the NHS, with a clear message that discrimination against people with mental health problems "is extremely unjust, a waste of human potential, a great cost to society."

The guidance also points out that it is "potentially unlawful to exclude anyone from employment simply because that person has experienced or experiences mental health problems."

It says that, as the largest employer in the UK, the NHS should set an example by showing that:

* this type of discrimination is taken seriously and will be eradicated;

* mental health should not be the cause of derision or ridicule, and;

* people with mental health problems have the same right to be treated fairly and with respect as everyone else.

Liz Sayce, director of policy and communications at the Disability Rights Commissionsaid: "This guidance could make a tremendous difference to people with mental health difficulties who, all too often, have lost their jobs or been turned down for jobs on the basis of prejudice. The Department of Health is to be congratulated on guidance that corrects a historic injustice."