Jo Swinson talks equalities with local businesswomen
Event focused on helping business support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson met local businesses in Surrey today as part of a series of regional events about equality in the workplace.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce invited small businesses to attend a ‘Business is Good for Equality’ breakfast seminar, held at Epsom Racecourse, as part of a joint Government Equalities Office and British Chambers of Commerce programme taking place across the country. These events aim to promote a better understanding of equality legislation and to help explain issues such as gender equality and age discrimination in the workplace.
This event focused on helping business support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Jo Swinson said:
I was delighted to meet business people from across Surrey today and was encouraged to hear that so many employers think equality is important for their business.
We recognise that, with work-related stress one of the main reasons for long term sick absence, dealing with mental ill-health is a vital issue for businesses . Significant business benefits can come from employers promoting wellbeing in the workplace, with simple practical steps helping businesses save costs by reducing staff absence and turnover and increasing productivity.
I hope that these events will help small businesses understand that what the law – and this Government – is all about is being fair and flexible in the way companies treat their customers and employees, and not about overburdening companies with unnecessary red tape.