Mental Health UK’s contribution and response to the Keep Britain Working report

Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK:

“The publication of the Keep Britain Working report marks an important milestone in the national conversation about how we support people to thrive in work, and how work itself can become a force for better health and wellbeing. At its heart lies a simple truth: good work is good for mental health, and tackling the UK’s productivity doom loop means addressing mental health head-on. Poor mental health can keep people out of work for months, making recovery harder and costing employers and individuals dearly.

“We are particularly concerned about young people facing long periods out of work. Prevention is critical. Every month lost means lost confidence, skills, and hope. Employers and policymakers must act now to reverse this trend and ensure that young people have the opportunity to build their futures.

“The report clearly defines the role employers play in helping people stay well and stay in work, completing the triangle between individuals, health services, and workplaces. Crucially, it recognises that this challenge is not intractable; it is an opportunity to build a stronger, fairer and more productive workforce. Employers must embrace changing attitudes to mental health and adopt evidence-based practices. We welcome the introduction of Vanguard organisations – a voluntary coalition committed to developing a Healthy Working Standard and workplace health provision by 2029 – and the establishment of a Workplace Health Intelligence Unit to share data, insights and innovation across sectors. These steps will help close the gap between good intentions and effective delivery.

“With 87% of employers already recognising their responsibility to support the mental and physical health of their workforce, now is the time to turn commitment into sustainable change. Mental Health UK was proud to contribute to this report and will continue working with employers large and small to create healthier, more productive workplaces that benefit everyone. We commend Charlie Mayfield and the Keep Britain Working team for the depth and ambition of this review. By working together – government, employers and the third sector – we can help ensure that everyone, especially young people, has the opportunity to benefit from good work.”