Mental health related to the workplace

Conference is concerned that mental health related to the work place is on the increase and is affecting our Members’ health and wellbeing. The Health and Safety Executive figures show that stress is more prevalent in public service industries which includes the Fire and Rescue Service.

The Grey Book recognises that an employee on authorised sick leave as a result of an illness or injury arising out of authorised duty shall be entitled to full pay for twelve months. However, it is increasingly difficult for any mental health illnesses or injuries to be recognised within this.

In order to support Officials representing Members with work related mental health, we request that the Executive Council, at negotiations within the National Joint Council, seek to expand the definition to specifically include “mental health” as an injury or illness. This should be placed on the agenda at an appropriate National Joint Council meeting and progress reported back to FBU Conference in 2019.