the quantity and quality of services vary according to the municipality, and there are gaps between needs and available services.

In Finland, the occupational health care services reach some 90% of the workforce. However, they are short of the resources and trained personnel necessary to address mental health care needs. Mental health care is also a relatively new area in the occupational health care system. Since the legislative reform of 1991, the occupational health care services have been required to provide rehabilitation services to maintain employees' work ability, including their mental health. Despite scarce resources, the occupational health care services are starting to address mental health issues, and rehabilitation services for people with mental health problems are beginning to evolve.

In terms of legislation, mental health disorders are considered disabilities. A disabled person is defined in accordance with ILO convention no. 159 on vocational rehabilitation and training of people with disabilities. However, Finland does not have overarching anti-discrimination legislation or a quota system for people with disabilities, who are covered under mainstream legislation. The law does, however, guarantee access to the required specialised services. The situation analysis briefly reviews some of the central legislation on working conditions and employment of people with mental health problems. It also describes rehabilitation legislation and the role of occupational health care services in providing early rehabilitative interventions.

The role of government and social partners

The Ministries of Labour and Health and Social Affairs are vital in advancing good working conditions, improving and maintaining the work ability of the Finnish labour force, and providing mental health care services, occupational health care services, and rehabilitation. The Ministry of Labour runs workplace programmes that address issues conducive to employees' wellbeing and the quality of working life. The National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES), an affiliate of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, runs several successful nation-wide programmes targeting suicide and depression.

Central employees' organisations also actively promote wellbeing and work ability in the work place. Programmes have addressed issues such as working hours, mobbing, and stress. Employees' and employers' organisations and relevant non-governmental agencies are joining the Finnish Government in developing means to promote work ability in the workplace.

Several academic institutions and research centres are studying mental health issues in the workplace. Among others, the report highlights the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, which is the biggest organisation in Finland working in the area of occupational health care.

Managing mental health issues in the workplace

Most Finnish employees are able to participate in workplace programmes which maintain work ability. These are often organised jointly by employers and occupational health care services. They usually address issues such as employees' physical health, management, workplace atmosphere, and occupational safety, which are all important to a supportive and healthy work environment. Both employers and employees are satisfied with activities maintaining work ability, and employers see them as cost effective. Occasionally, however, the programmes lack continuity and focus on narrow sub-components of workability, without making the activi-