We respond to Commission for Healthier Working Lives report

There have been rising levels of people out of work due to poor health, and in particular mental ill-health, in recent years. The Health Foundation's Commission for Healthier Working Lives has today published its final report, which focuses on the urgent changes needed by government and businesses to support people before they leave the workforce. The report also includes recommendations on helping individuals return to employment after a period of absence. 

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“Secure employment is a key pillar of good mental health, yet too many people experiencing severe mental illness are not given the right support to stay in or return to work. The government is right to focus on what more can be done to boost the number of people in employment, but as the Commission for Healthier Working Lives highlights, this will require significant, long-term reform, funding and fresh thinking. We know from our own charity’s research that too many people living with mental illness face stigma at work and encounter workplaces ill-equipped for their needs. Meanwhile, many drop out of work as their mental health deteriorates while facing lengthy waits for NHS treatment. As well as measures to prevent people from leaving work, we need to ensure the right conditions are in place for people who wish to return to employment. We support the Commission’s recommendations to ensure this return is carefully managed, with the safety net of financial support kept in place to prevent damaging the recovery of people experiencing mental illness and pushing them further from work. At the same time, and this cannot be understated, it’s important to recognise that some people will be too unwell to work, and they must be supported by a fair and humane social security system."

Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK, said: 

“The increasing number of people leaving the workforce due to mental ill-health comes at significant cost – to individuals, employers, and our collective success as a nation. We welcome today’s report from the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, which sets out solutions to help the government and organisations navigate this challenge. Our recent Burnout Report revealed a complex range of factors driving high stress and potential work absence, including unmanageable workloads, fear of redundancy, and personal factors such as financial worries. The survey we commissioned showed that young people were most likely to take time off work due to poor mental health, at the same time as reporting a decrease in the likelihood they’d open up to managers about challenges within work. Many employers want to help but feel unsure about how best to support staff struggling with mental ill-health. A crucial element in tackling economic inactivity is ensuring organisations have the tools to identify and support employees, including putting the reasonable adjustments in place that can help someone stay in work.”