Press Release

10 October 2016

Mitie pledges to tackle mental health discrimination Mitie pledges to tackle mental health discrimination

Today, on World Mental Health Day, Mitie signs the Time to Change Employer Pledge.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, Mitie signs the Time to Change Employer Pledge.

The pledge is part of the national Time to Change campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Set up to create a positive shift in public attitudes towards mental health problems, Time to Change promotes better understanding to combat discrimination towards people who experience mental health problems.

Mitie’s pledge signing signifies a commitment by the company to change how it thinks and acts about mental health and to show its support to any employee dealing with a mental health-related illness.

Mitie’s chief executive, Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE said: “We are delighted to sign the pledge and help raise awareness of mental health across the business. Well-being, in particular mental health, was a common theme across our recent employee engagement survey and focus groups, so I am fully committed to promoting an open and supportive culture across Mitie.

"Our aim is to ensure anyone dealing with a mental health issue – either personally or as a result of a friend, family member or colleague to feel comfortable in speaking out about their experiences and be aware of the support available to them.”

Jo Loughran, Interim Director of Time to Change, commented: “It is fantastic that more and more employers are showing their support in tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems. Employers and their staff can all play a part in helping to stamp out stigma and companies like Mitie is taking a lead.

“Many leading employers have found that making a strategic commitment to the mental wellbeing of their workforce not only has benefits for their staff but also benefits their bottom-line, improving productivity and staff retention. With one in six British workers experiencing mental illness it's time for businesses to work on their approach and start creating more mentally healthy workplaces."

By signing the Pledge, Mitie will join a growing movement of more than 400 employers in England across all sectors – from FTSE 100 companies and leading retailers to Government departments and local authorities.

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For further information, contact:
Lauren Hepburn, Investor and Public Relations Manager, Mitie Group plc

T:+44 20 3123 8720 E:lauren.hepburn@mitie.com

John Telling, Corporate Affairs Director, Mitie Group plc
T:+44 20 3123 8673 E:john.telling@mitie.com