Small firms need to do more to help employees who have depression, it has been claimed.
Research conducted by the charity Depression Alliance (DA) found that 71 per cent of people suffering from clinical depression worry that telling their co-workers or boss about the condition will damage their prospects at work.
It also found that a third of respondents have been unsuccessful in applying for a job because of the illness.
Emer O'Neill, DA's chief executive, called on employers to do more to support people suffering from depression.
She said: "Having a job is very important to people with depression so employers and colleagues need to have a much greater understanding of the challenges faced by people with depression, in order to provide the support they need to contribute fully."
More than 90 per cent of staff with depression feel they do not get adequate support in the work place, she added.
Earlier this month, a study conducted by recruitment firm Monster found that almost three-quarters of workers have problems sleeping on a Sunday become of work-related stress.
