Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff in the Government Equalities Office responded that they were treated fairly at work in the most recent Civil Service People Survey.

In the 2014 People Survey, 66% of Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS – which includes the Government Equalities Office) respondents declaring a long-standing physical or mental health condition, illness, impairment or disability responded that they were treated fairly at work.

80% of DCMS respondents declaring that they did not have a long-standing physical or mental health condition, illness, impairment or disability responded that they were treated fairly at work.

There is a range of support in place for employees with disabilities. There is information on the Intranet to help support individuals and advice for managers in how they can support individuals with disabilities. This information includes advice on mental wellbeing, links to useful external websites such as Time To Change and Mind, and access to the NHS stress test. The Department's Employer Assistance Programme offers further advice and links to resources that can support managers and employees.

There is also an active employee-run mental health employee support group. This group is a forum where DCMS and GEO staff can discuss their experiences in mental health and offer mutual support in a confidential environment.

The Department recently ran an Inclusion week which included sessions on; support for managers and individuals with disabilities, including mental health issues, and support for carers and sessions to deal with the modern workplace such as improving work life balance and mindfulness.