A trial of an occupational health advice line has just been launched in seven pilot areas in England, as well as the whole of Wales and Scotland.

The new service - named Health for Work in England, Healthy Working Lives in Scotland and Healthy Working Wales in Wales - forms part of the Government’s attempts to reform support services for people with mental health condition, helping them to remain in employment or find a new job if they are currently unemployed.

The phone line, instituted by the Department of Health, will give small businesses direct access to occupational health professionals, and will enable employers to obtain quick and easy access to expert advice and support, particularly relating to how to assist employees with mental health issues.

The pilot areas where the service will initially be in operation are East Anglia; Merseyside; North East; North and West Yorkshire; Portsmouth, South Hampshire, East Sussex and the Isle of Wight; South Buckinghamshire, South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire; and West London.

The three advice line numbers are:

• England (only in the pilot areas) - 0800 077 88 44.
• Scotland - 0800 019 22 11.
• Wales - 0800 107 09 00.

From Wednesday 9th December the Health4Work website will be live, offering further information and services for employers in England.

The Healthy Working Lives website for Scottish employers and the Healthy Working Wales site are both already up and running.

Technorati Tags: Health Advice, Occupational Health, Small Businesses