Sector - Health
UK SMEs call for mental health helpline
20 Nov 18
New research has revealed that the stigma of mental health remains, as UK SMEs call for a dedicated mental health helpline akin to NHS 111.
Conducted by Close Brothers Asset Finance, the quarterly survey polled 900 SMEs, with 84% supporting the creation of a dedicated mental health helpline.
“Statistically, mental health affects one in four people,” said Neil Davies, CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance. “It’s clear that it impacts both individuals and businesses in a multitude of ways, including economically. For example, mental health problems in the UK workforce cost employers almost £35Bn last year, according to the Centre for Mental Health.
“Anything that can be done to get people the correct help, quickly, can only benefit both those affected and the people around them, and while there are multiple helplines available, our research is telling us is that – in the first instance – businesses of all sizes and across all sectors would find it more helpful to refer employees to a single resource.”
Unfortunately, over half (54%) of all respondents said that those with mental health issues were still stigmatised in the workplace, with Greater London (63%) and Wales (65%) tracking well above the national average.
“According to the Mental Health foundation, the social stigma attached to mental ill health and the discrimination people experience can make their difficulties worse and make it harder to recover,” continued Neil. “However, what they also say is that most people who experience mental health problems recover fully, or are able to live with and manage them, especially if they get help early on, which is one of the reasons why UK SMEs are calling for a helpline.”
Nationally, nearly two thirds (64%) of UK firms have policies in place to support employees with mental ill health. However, this falls to just 42% for SMEs.
“Many businesses with lower turnover and smaller staff numbers don’t have the capacity or resources to support colleagues with mental ill health and consequently rely on government support,” concluded Neil. “However, only 19% of firms employing ten or fewer people feel that there are sufficient government services – including advice services – for SMEs to help support employees with mental ill health, compared to the national average of 39%.”
If you would like to read more articles like this then please click here.
Related Articles
More Health News
- I&G to build new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
18 Apr 24
I&G has been appointed to build the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease
- £19M for regeneration of Bridgwater Hospital
7 Mar 24
Almost £20M from the Levelling Up Fund will give the former Bridgwater Hospital a new
- Pick Everard lands £1.6Bn NHS framework
17 Aug 23
Pick Everard has been appointed to NHS Shared Business Services new £1.6bn framework agreement.
-
Sector Press Releases
- ALS Environmental extension to scope granted by UKAS
Now accredited for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and TVC testing in endoscopy and dialysis waters.
- FP McCann’s shaft segments used in Belgian hospital waste water scheme
FP McCann’s shaft segments are factory-fitted with EPDM rubber gaskets, providing water-tight seal upon construction.
- Bryland Fire Protection achieve world’s first in fire suppression systems
Bryland are partnering with innovative, pioneering suppliers to continue to offer advanced and effective solutions.
- Is your project compliant?
Safer Sphere has an array of experience delivering CDM support in accordance with CDM regulations.
- Outsourced safety support at a fraction of the cost
Safer Sphere can develop a bespoke subscription to suit your requirements.
- London introduces new tax to cut vehicle pollution
A T-charge will work alongside the existing congestion charge, affecting older petrol and diesel cars.
-
Sector Case Studies
- Building Better Support: Mental Health in the Construction Industry
Phantom highlights the need for greater awareness around the topic of mental health.
- Newcastle Freeman Hospital
A long-term data centre strategy was needed to carry Freeman Hospital through the next decade.
- Royal College of Surgeons
A robust data centre strategy was needed to safeguard their reputation and ensure business continuity.
- Health Authority Project
Procomm supplied 54 bays of CTX modules to form a health centre.
- Making safety more than just a buzzword for your organisation
NordSafety look at safety concepts in two companies and discuss their outlook and results.
- Central Manchester University Hospital
Safer Sphere provided Health and Safety management to the challenging and fast moving construction projects.