Mental health problems cost British businesses an average of £1,000 a year for every employee, researchers say.
The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health said the overall annual cost to employers, including time off work and lost productivity, is nearly £26bn.

It says most firms vastly underestimate the problem, but they could make big savings with a few simple steps.

The Federation of Small Businesses said it was harder for firms with fewer resources to put policies in place.

The report makes a business case for companies to help staff with mental health problems.

It says few firms appreciate that one in six staff is affected at any given time.

The cost is enormous, the report says, with 70m working days a year written off because of sickness.

The Sainsbury Centre estimates that the cost of lost productivity from employees who turn up, but cannot perform well is more than £15bn a year alone.

Open discussion

Angela Greatley, the Sainsbury Centre's chief executive, said it was important to encourage open discussion of problems such as depression, stress and anxiety.

She said: "People in the workplace holding down a job possibly don't want to come and say: 'I think my mental health problem is impacting on the way that I can do my work'.

"They fear that the employer might well pick on them. They are probably worried about what their work colleagues might say."

The report outlines simple steps which it says can yield huge savings for businesses, large or small.

These include recognising the problem early, encouraging managers to be supportive and flexible, and ensuring regular contact with staff who have to take time off.

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Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

SOURCE: BBC News Online