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Mental Health Solicitors

Mind survey reveals disparity in mental health support for workers in private and public sectors (6 June 2017)

Date: 06/06/2017
Duncan Lewis, Mental Health Solicitors, Mind survey reveals disparity in mental health support for workers in private and public sectors

Mental health charity Mind has revealed “shocking” differences between mental health support for public and private sector workers – and has called on the next government to make mental health in the public sector a top priority.

A major survey by the mental health charity Mind reveals that workplace wellbeing support is worse in the public sector than in the private sector.

The charity surveyed more than 12,000 employees across the public and private sectors – and found a higher prevalence of mental health problems in the public sector, as well as a lack of support available when people do speak up.

The UK public sector employs more than 5.4 million people, almost 3 million of whom are employed by central government alone. Mind’s survey found that public sector workers were over a third more likely to say their mental health was poor, compared with their peers in the private sector (15% versus 9% cent) – and were far more likely to say they have felt anxious at work on several occasions over the last month (53% compared with 43%).

Public sector survey respondents said that, on average, they had taken nearly three days off sick in the last year because of their mental health, compared with just under one day on average for workers in the private sector.

Nearly half (48%) of public sector workers have had time off because of their mental health, compared with less than a third (32%) of the private sector workforce.

The results show that public sector workers are more likely to disclose that they have a mental health problem, are more likely to be up front about it if they do take time off because of their mental health – and are more likely to report that the workplace culture makes it possible for people to speak openly about their mental health.

However, when they do open up, support is not always forthcoming – less than half (49%) of those questioned said they felt supported when they disclosed mental health problems, compared with three in five (61%) in the private sector.

To make mental health in the workplace a priority, Mind wants to see the next government promote, recognise and share effective workplace solutions for employers – including wellbeing initiatives and Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index; as well as supporting the continuation of the Independent Mental Health and Employers Review and committing to implementing the recommendations which will have a positive impact in supporting employers to be a full partner in driving this change.

Chief Executive of Mind, Paul Farmer, said:

“Mental health is one of the biggest domestic issues facing the next government – more people than ever are speaking out about mental health and demanding change.

“As a nation, our expectations for better mental health for all are higher than ever – and the next government must rise to this challenge.”


Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.


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