Overwhelming support has been given to the Action on Stigma campaign against mental illness discrimination in the workplace.

Shift, funded by the Department of Health, launched a 'listening exercise' to obtain employer views about its Action on Stigma in October last year. Public and private sector employers were asked to adopt six principles, including making staff aware of tips for looking after their mental wellbeing, warning signs to look out for, and the need to seek help early if they developed a problem.

A total of 239 questionnaires were completed by employers, with 213 backing all six principles.

Only about 20 percent of people with severe mental health problems are employed, compared to 65 percent of people with physical health problems and 75 percent for the whole adult population.

Even for people with more common types of mental illness, such as depression, only about half are competitively employed However, people with mental health problems have the highest 'want to work rate' with up to 90 percent wanting to work, compared to 52 percent for disabled people generally.

Health minister Rosie Winterton said at the launch of Action on Stigma last October: "We all have a role to play in helping to tackle this issue. Employers can help by raising awareness of mental health issues amongst staff, supporting those affected and combating discrimination against staff and customers. This is good for staff and good for employers, who we know will benefit from reduced staff turnover and sickness absences.

"I am delighted to launch this new initiative and I urge employers to take the problem of mental health in the workplace seriously."

For more information, visit www.shift.org.uk