The government has announced a new initiative to help address mental health issues within the workplace.

Dubbed Action on Stigma, the new initiative has been created to help provide staff with information on mental health, including advice on how to spot a problem in its early stages, reports bCentral.

Action on Stigma also provides employee advice on preserving mental health.

"With mental health problems experienced by one in six people, the health and well-being of people of working age is of fundamental importance to our future," states Shift on its website.

"The . initiative is for people with an interest in reducing the stigma and discrimination directed towards people in the workplace," it adds.

According to information provided by the Shaw Trust, mental health issues are thought to cost businesses in excess of £9 billion every year.

Set up to operate between 2004 and 2009, Shift is an initiative created to help end discrimination over mental health issues.