Asked by: Helen Whately (Conservative - Faversham and Mid Kent)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what measures his Department has in place to support those of its staff who have mental health problems.
Answered by Caroline Nokes
DWP is committed to creating an environment with parity of esteem for both mental and physical ill health; where mental health can be discussed honestly and openly without fear of discrimination.
The Department holds the status of Mindful Employer and is also a disability confident employer.
All staff and Line managers have access to comprehensive support via Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Provision, The department also has membership with organisations offering employees access to a wealth of practical advice and support on all aspects of disability, including mental health.
Mental health remains a top priority under the new departmental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ‘Working Well Together’, fully endorsed by Debbie Alder, executive level Disability, Health and Wellbeing Champion.