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
  • 09 October 2026
  • Employment

Neurodiversity, probation and unfair dismissal: What employers need to know

The next few years are introducing landmark changes to employment law in the UK, under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Part of these changes include the amendments to rights to unfair dismissal, reducing the qualifying period for this right to six months.

art
  • 29 September 2026
  • Employment

New bereavement leave rights for pregnancy loss

The Government have announced that in April 2027 they will be introducing a new right to bereavement leave to include those who suffer pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. This has been announced in their response to their consultation on bereavement leave “Make Work Pay: Leave for bereavement including pregnancy loss”.

art
  • 25 September 2026
  • Employment

Consultation response on duty to inform workers of right to join a union

The Employment Rights Act 2025, makes it a requirement for employers to inform workers of their right to join a trade union at the same time as the Section 1 particulars are issued to them and at subsequent times. The details of this new duty are to be provided in regulations.

Pub
  • 17 September 2026
  • Employment

Employment law changes in 2026: What you need to know

Stay ahead of the latest UK employment law changes. Watch our on demand webinar with Monica Atwal and Harry Berryman covering key HR developments and employment law updates for 2026.

art
  • 16 September 2026
  • Employment

Received an Employment Tribunal Claim? 6 Things Employers Should NOT Do

We are well and truly underway with implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”) and October brings the next tranche of changes that employers will need to be ready for.

art
  • 03 September 2026
  • Employment

Employment Rights Act – October Changes

We are well and truly underway with implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”) and October brings the next tranche of changes that employers will need to be ready for.