Search

How can we help?

Icon

Deborah Scales comments on ‘the proposed Mental Health First Aid Bill’

Mental health first aid bill (MHFA) presented to parliament may not become law, but HR would likely welcome the change. Giving Mental Health First Aid and Physical First Aid recognition in the eyes of the law would be an important demonstration of employers taking account of their peoples’ physical and mental health.

In People Management, Deborah Scales, Associate at Clarkslegal, discusses the reasons why people professionals would likely welcome a change in set law as a “relatively swift and cost-effective” way to help the workplace.

However, commentators warn that MHFA on its own could be ‘detrimental’ but that people professionals would benefit from a trained mental health first aider.

Read the full article: People Management

If you have any questions in relation to discrimination, please contact our employment lawyers for advice.

Commentators warn that MHFA on its own could be ‘detrimental’ but that people professionals would benefit from a trained mental health first aider.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 13 March 2026
  • Employment

When Immigration compliance becomes discrimination: The UK’s uncomfortable workplace balance

UK employers today operate under powerful, and some may say conflicting, legal pressures. On one hand, they must prevent illegal working under UK immigration laws.

art
  • 03 March 2026
  • Employment

International Women’s Day 2026 – Supporting equality and inclusion for a better, happier workforce

This year, International Women’s Day is inviting everyone to think differently about equality and how it can benefit everyone. The theme this year is ‘Give to Gain’.

art
  • 02 March 2026
  • Employment

10 facts an employer should know about holding personal data

Personal data is any information that can be used to identify an employee.

art
  • 17 February 2026
  • Employment

The Employment Rights Act – A shift in power: why employers will face greater pressure from industrial action and union relations in 2026

Substantial union-related changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will take effect on 18 February 2026, ushering in significant shifts in the legal landscape for industrial action in the UK.

art
  • 13 February 2026
  • Employment

Businesses Prepare for Stronger Trade Union Rights: Monica Atwal Comments

The new trade union rights introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 18 February 2026. These changes are expected to make strikes easier to organise and will extend protections for striking workers. Monica Atwal comments on the implications of these reforms in People Management magazine.

art
  • 12 February 2026
  • Employment

Clarkslegal Partners with Albion Legal to Offer Comprehensive Employment Law Protection Scheme

Employment law is becoming increasingly complex for UK employers. Legislative change, evolving case law and an expanding scope of employee rights mean that the risk of employment disputes and the cost of defending them has never been higher.