Autumn Statement Mental Health UK responds

 

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

“While we welcome the UK government’s plan to tackle economic inactivity by investing in training, we know from our own employment programme Into Work that increasing skills is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s also important to support people with the wider barriers they face, such as financial insecurity and housing issues. With this in mind, we are concerned that tightening access to financial support by reforming the Work Capability Assessment could push people further from work.

“Employers also have a responsibility to help people stay in work, and we welcome measures to prevent unfair dismissal and tackle bullying in the workplace. Our annual burnout survey highlighted the role that toxic workplaces can play in driving high levels of pressure and stress, leading to burnout and forcing people out of work. We urge governments and employers to work together, prioritising wellbeing for healthier, more resilient employees.

“While we are pleased that the UK government is putting the NHS in England on a more sustainable footing and additional funding is being made available for the devolved governments, we await more detail on how mental health services will be properly resourced so that people do not face such lengthy waits for treatment. Only with a functioning mental health system and employment support which addresses the wider barriers that people face will we bolster the UK workforce.”