Regius Professor of Laws at Trinity, Professor Mark Bell has today claimed that one quarter of us will develop mental or behavioural disorders during our lifetime and for many this can lead to job loss.
Furthermore, almost six out of ten people believe that openness about mental health impacts negatively on job prospects.
This comes ahead of his inaugural lecture entitled 'Mental Health and Employment in Ireland: Is Equality Law the Solution?' which he will deliver this evening in the Edmund Burke Theatre, Trinity College at 6pm.
Professor Bell commented, "There is strong evidence of persistent labour market disadvantage experienced by people with mental health problems.
"Research suggests that the odds of those with emotional or psychological disabilities being outside the labour market are nine times higher than those without disabilities. Recent court cases also reveal that sometimes employers do not comply with their duties, and that some individuals can find it difficult to seek help.
"Workers can face other barriers in asserting their rights, such as having the emotional and financial resources to pursue a claim. Stigma also continues to deter individuals from speaking about mental health problems in the workplace."
Source: www.businessworld.ie