Mental health disorders are a leading cause of illness and disability in the United Kingdom and carry a high cost in terms of financial losses. This situation analysis provides an overview of mental health issues with respect to the world of work in the UK. Its main focus is on the population currently in mainstream employment but facing mental health difficulties. However, it is important to recognise that only 12 % of people with diagnosed mental health problems are actively participating in the open labour market in the UK.

The analysis looks at three areas in depth: Mental health at the national level examines the scope of mental health problems in the workplace and relevant legislation and policies. The role of government and social partners elaborates on the roles of employers' and workers' organisations, NGOs, and academic institutions. Managing mental health issues in the workplace provides examples of steps undertaken in the British workplace to address employees' mental health.

Mental health at the national level

 

Mental health at the national level begins by examining the prevalence of mental health problems in the United Kingdom. The great majority of those affected by mental health problems are in the working-age population, between ages 16 and 64. Each year, nearly 3 out of every 10 employees experience mental health problems. Numerous studies on stress confirm that work-related stress and the illness it causes are common. The self-reported occurrence of anxiety and depression ranges from 15 % to 30% of the working population. Depression, in particular, is a common problem: At any given time one in every 20 working-aged Britons is experiencing major depression.

The situation analysis recognises the impact of mental health problems on employees, employers, and society at large. Fourteen per cent of UK National Health Service (NHS) inpatient costs and 23 % NHS pharmaceutical costs are due to mental illness. Mental illness accounts for 14 % of certified sickness absences in the UK, translating into an annual loss of approximately 80 million working days. In a survey on most common work-related illnesses, employees ranked stress, depression, and anxiety as the second most common work-related illnesses after musculoskeletal illnesses. Each year, mental illness accounts for £3.7 million in direct costs in terms of working days lost. The Confederation of British Industry has estimated the costs of certified sickness absence and other direct productivity losses due to stress and mental health at £5.3 billion annually.

The situation analysis also provides an overview of individuals' access to health care services and information on mental health problems. In the UK, 80 % of people diagnosed with depression are treated entirely within primary health care. It has been estimated that approximately 40 % of all primary health care visits are due to common mental health disorders. Occupational health care has not traditionally played a significant role in the British health care system. Over 75 % of firms in the UK do not provide occupational health care services other than the statutory requirement of first aid. In terms of access to information, various agencies have