A survey which revealed that 93 per cent of employees in the hospitality sector feel ‘uncomfortable’ talking to their boss about mental health has inspired one major restaurant chain to call for action.

Pizza Hut wants to end the stigma attached to mental health, and is calling upon the industry to address workplace prejudices.

The news comes after a survey carried out by Mental Health UK found that more than half of employees in the hospitality sector had experienced ‘adverse treatment’ at work as a result of a ‘negative perceptions’ of mental health in the workplace.

However, the survey did not deliver entirely bad news. Four out of every five people who told Mental Health that they approached bosses for help and advice said that they had received what the support they were looking for.

Emma Malcolm, of Rethink Mental Illness, a charity which operates under Mental Health UK, commented: “As these findings highlight, mental health problems are extremely common, and yet some people still shy away from talking openly about them with colleagues.

“It is incredibly important to support your staff’s mental health in the workplace.”

Kathryn Austin, director of HR and marketing at Pizza Hut Restaurants, added: “We want to help break the taboo of talking about mental health issues, raise awareness of the challenges people face, and ultimately support the great work Mental Health UK is already doing.”