360 Diversity Supports the Challenge Against Discriminatory Mental Health Law

360 diversity supports the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill, which has been put together to revoke four pieces of current legislation which discriminate against those with mental health issues. It is argued that the exclusions which feature in the current legislation would never have been tolerated if they were directed at those with physical health problems. 360 diversity is involved with promoting equality and diversity, they are hopeful of a revision of this legislation in order to bring it in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Stuart Bray, Business Development Manager of 360 diversity, comments “Mental health is often brushed under the carpet, not just by politicians, but everyday people living everyday lives.  What people often fail to realise is that many people each year are affected by mental health issues to some degree.” 

“Depression is classed as a mental health issue, and many new mothers, people in relationship breakdowns and people coming to terms with a bereavement may require specialist support and counselling, and in some cases medication. For others there may be a breakdown where they are sectioned for a short period of time for their own safety and allow them to recover. “ 

Lord Dennis Stevenson and Charles Walker MP have put together this Bill with the support of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Rethink Mental Illness and Mind. The current legislation supports the misconception that those who have suffered from a mental illness will never fully recover and be able to participate fully in work and social life, as they had done previously. Together with equality and diversity legislation, the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill should make it possible to eradicate discrimination from society.

Stuart Bray continues “The attitude that once someone has a mental health issue they’ll always have a mental health issue, is out-dated and discriminatory.  People do recover from these, and can continue to function at the same level they were operating prior to having the condition.  It is illogical to exclude people from certain roles in society where they are the best person to do the job – that way you lose valuable skills and experiences.” 

“360 diversity is hopeful that following this debate the Mental Health (discrimination) Bill will reframe the thinking about mental health.  It is only a shame that this legislation did not form part of the Equality Act 2010, as already we seem to be increasing the number of pieces of anti-discrimination legislation.”

The first reading of the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill was on the 6 April 2011, which was a formality to show the start of the Bill’s progression through the House of Lords. The second reading is due to take place on 25th November 2011 where the Bill will be debated fully, with regards to discrimination against people on the basis of their mental health.
 
About Us
360 diversity is an online diversity forum and information resource that is available to private, public and third sector employers throughout the UK. It was developed to help organisations fulfil their equality and diversity requirements and carry out equality training, particularly in response to the Equality Act 2010.  For further information visit the 360 diversity website at www.360diversity.co.uk.

Contact Information

Stuart Bray

Business Development Manager

360 Diversity

Contact via E-mail