Lloyds TSB criticised by mental health charity

A MENTAL health charity has accused Lloyds TSB of “reinforcing stigma and discrimination” in its treatment of the bank’s chief executive following his leave of absence for stress.

Antonio Horta-Osario went off ill last month as a result of the stress of running the part publicly owned bank – causing its share value to drop by almost 4 per cent.

At the time, the bank said he was “expected to return to his position before the end of the year”. However, it has now emerged that following a period of recuperation, Mr Osario wanted to return to his job, but Lloyds TSB asked a medical expert to decide whether he was fit to work.

Mr Horta-Osario is also to meet the company’s board of directors prior to them deciding whether he will take up his post again or be asked to leave.

Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Paul Jenkins said: “Not only is it poor practice, it is also an ignorant assumption that someone who has had a mental health issue isn’t able to return to work.

“The inappropriate scrutiny Mr Horta-Osario is expected to undergo is something a person who has taken time away from work with a physical illness such as cancer would never be expected to go through.”