Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg announced at the Liberal Democrat conference that talking therapy treatments should be made available to those with depression within 18 weeks, with other targets to be made for those diagnosed with psychosis, bipolar disorder and eating disorders. 

A statement from L&G in response to the commitment by the Liberal Democrats said: “Legal & General welcomes the Liberal democrats commitment to reduce the waiting time for treatment for those diagnosed with mental health issues. One in four of us in the UK are affected by mental illness each year.”

Mental health issues are one of the top three conditions causing workplace absence in the UK.

Jim Islam, executive managing director corporate, Legal & General said: “A healthy engaged workforce is vital to business success.

“Employers have a huge role to play in helping their employees who face these issues – we need to do more to encourage FTSE100 companies to increase the public debate and disclosure on employee wellbeing and engagement particularly in relation to mental health as this has huge impact on productivity and engagement within workforces.

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He added: “Our mental health is as important as our physical health.”