Depression sees '10% of staff off'

One in 10 European workers have missed work due to depression, research suggests.

Three-fifths of people in Britain (58%) who suffer from depression will take time off work.

And the average time each Briton will take off is 41 days, the European Depression Association said.

But despite high rates of absenteeism because of the condition, one in four people with depression do not tell their employer about their problem, according to the Impact of Depression in the Workplace in Europe Audit which surveyed more than 7,000 people across Europe.

The association also said that managers need better support to help employees.

Its research found that a third of bosses say they have no formal advice or resources to deal with depressed workers.

Dr Vincenzo Costigliola, president of the association, said "The results of the survey show that much needs to be done in raising awareness and supporting employees and employers in recognising and managing depression in the workplace.

"We ask policymakers to consider the impact of depression on the workforce and charge them with addressing depression and workers and workplace safety."