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Only one in three people who have had mental health problems are confident about disclosing this information on job application forms, states a report released last week.

However, according to the Mental Health Foundation study, nine out of 10 of those who were in employment had told somebody at work about their mental health problems, and felt supported and accepted.

The MHF's chief executive Ruth Lesirge said that it was essential that employers focused on people's experience rather than their diagnosis.

"Many of those who were in employment believed that they were fortunate in receiving support from their employer and being accepted by colleagues. However, it is still only a minority of people with mental health problems who are in employment," she said.

The survey shows that less than half of people with psychosis, schizophrenia or manic depression were in full-time or part-time employment and less than six out of 10 people with anxiety or depression.

Pressures at work were found to cause or exacerbate mental health problems, with nearly two out of three believing that an unrealistic workload, too high expectations and long hours contributed to their mental health problems.

The MHF recommends that the Disability Rights Commission gives priority to addressing discrimination against people with mental health problems and that the government supports return-to-employment schemes.

The charity also proposes that the government and agencies working in the mental health sector should consider a campaign encouraging people to disclose their mental health problems and that employers should audit their workplaces to identify aspects that may be detrimental to mental health.

The report was based on a survey of more than 400 people with personal experience of mental health problems. Three in 10 employees in the UK will experience mental health problems each year. The report was launched to mark Mental Health Action Week, which runs from 31 March to 7 April.

- Out at Work is available from www.mentalhealth.org.uk