In the UK, five million people of working age have a common mental health difficulty and just under a million have a more severe mental health difficulty. One in six people in the UK workforce experience mental health difficulties at any one time.

Almost every workplace in London has an employee who will experience, or is experiencing, mental health difficulties.

Experiencing mental health difficulties should not be any barrier to finding work for those who want to work. Remember that there are many alternatives to full time employment like volunteering and part-work, more information about these will be uploaded soon.

The most damaging myths about mental health difficulty and work

What is it that holds us back?

Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t

Thinking positively about your skills and experience is vital

Are mental health difficulties disabilities?

The answer may surprise you

Back to work (direct.gov external website)

If you are looking for work or want to improve or develop your skills, you’ll find a range of support, help and advice here.

Apprenticeships (external website)

All the information you need about getting an apprenticeship in the UK

Volunteering (external website)

Volunteering can be a great way to improve your skills and employability and enhance your mental wellbeing

Benefit Calculator (direct.gov external website)

A useful tool to help you calculate which benefits you’re entitled to.

Your local Jobcentre Plus

The first stop for employment advice and support

Disability employment advisers

There are people out there who have the job of helping YOU find a job

ESA and other support

Which benefits and what other support is available to you as you search for the perfect job?

Do I have to tell potential employers about my mental health difficulty?

Many people who experience mental health difficulties worry about whether to tell potential employers about their condition.

• Mental Health Difficulties and the Disability Discrimination Act
• The disability symbol
• What are reasonable adjustments?
• Who pays for reasonable adjustments?
• What happens if I don’t disclose my mental health difficulty?
• When should I tell an employer about my mental health difficulties?
• Application forms and medical questionnaires
• Attending interviews
• Employers with a commitment to employing disabled people

Other sources of help

You’ll be surprised just how much help there is

Tags: find a job