The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have insisted that small business owners step up and lead the discussion on mental health, in order to destigmatise it in the workplace. 

Current statistics show that one in four people within the UK have experienced mental health problems, and according to the Government’s 2017 Thriving in work report, over 300,000 people in the UK lost their jobs due to long-term mental health issues.

FSB has recently conducted research, which revealed that more than one in five cases reported to FSB care - the health and medical service for FSB members - involved mental health issues.

Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations must provide reasonable adjustments in the workplace in order to accommodate anyone who has a long-term illness, impairment or disability.

A reasonable adjustment is where an employer removes or minimises anything, within reason, that disadvantages their employee.

‘Within reason’ is clearly important, as a small business would not likely have the resources to accommodate all employees who may be at a disadvantage, whereas larger organisations are more likely able to adjust.