HSE statistics show scale of UK’s mental health crisis in call-to-action for employers

We live in an age of constant stimulation, uncertainty and pressure. From the ongoing cost-of-living crisis to digital overload, the world outside the office is increasingly stressful — and it’s having a profound impact on how people show up at work. 

Here, Alexander Walton and Claire Burrows take a closer look at how this affects mental health at work and the HSE’s (Health and Safety Executive’s) plans to help — something that all employers should be aware of.

 

Bringing stress to work

Employees already under pressure before they clock in are more vulnerable to reduced concentration and decision-making ability. In many businesses, these issues can pose major risks such as client complaints or even regulatory action. High stress environments also increase the risk of accidents and injuries, lower reliance to workplace stressors, higher rates of absenteeism and presenteeism, burnout and long-term mental-health issues.

Against this background, mental health is no longer a side issue but one that’s central to how businesses operate, thrive and protect their people. Stressed, distracted employees are more likely to make mistakes while those with mental clarity and emotional resilience drive productivity and contribute to a healthier and more positive workplace culture. Additionally, employees who feel supported are more loyal and engaged, take fewer sick days and make fewer claims. 

The UK’s legal framework makes it clear that there’s a legal as well as a moral duty to support mental wellbeing at work. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are legally obligated to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of their employees — and that includes mental health. In short, this means that employers have a legal duty to assess and manage risks to mental health in the same way as physical hazards. 

Numbers speak volumes

HSE statistics show the staggering scale of work-related mental health issues:

• 1.7m workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2023/24.
• Of these, 776,000 cases were due to stress, depression or anxiety.
• 33.7m working days were lost due to work-related illness and injury.
• The economic cost of workplace injury and ill health reached £21.6bn in 2022/23.

These figures aren’t just statistics. They represent real people, real businesses and real consequences.

The HSE’s call to action

The HSE's ten-year strategy (2022 to 2032) places mental health and stress at the top of its agenda. Campaigns like Working Minds are helping employers to understand how to identify and reduce stress risks, with free tools and training available to support this mission. Assessing and managing work-related stress using the HSE’s Management Standards can help to tackle causes like workload, lack of control, poor support and change. 

Kayleigh Roberts from the HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division said: “By being proactive, you can improve productivity, reduce sickness absence and help retain valued workers”.

Mental health support shouldn’t be a reactive measure. It should be a proactive investment. Businesses must strive to create a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported and employees have access to help through initiatives like mental health first aiders or employee assistance programmes. This won’t just help to avoid legal pitfalls but build stronger, more resilient teams.

Talk to us

Our expert health and safety lawyers are here to help you navigate this evolving landscape. If you need help in developing stress risk assessments, training managers or creating a robust mental health strategy, you may benefit from Brabners Protect — our suite of proactive, integrated health and safety solutions designed to protect your people and business.

To find out more, talk to us by calling 0333 004 4488, sending us an email at hello@brabners.com or completing our contact form below.