Updated: Mental health costs employers up to £42bn a year, report finds

Cost to economy is up to £99bn

clock • 3 min read

The stigma around mental health and the challenges of dealing with mental health problems in the workplace cost employers between £33bn and £42bn each year, according to a government-commissioned independent report.

The Stevenson/Farmer review of mental health found the substantial cost to employers nationwide was borne out of "presenteeism" - when individuals are less productive at work - as well as the cost of sickness absence and staff turnover. It found one-in-seven (15%) employees have symptoms of an existing mental health condition, with 300,000 people leaving their jobs each year because of it. On top of the cost to employers, poor mental health costs the government about £25bn a year, the report said, which includes the cost of providing benefits, falls in tax revenue and costs to the NHS...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Consumer Duty remains the biggest opportunity to expand protection

Consumer Duty remains the biggest opportunity to expand protection

"It is very easy to get bogged down in the regulatory requirements"

Andrew Gething
clock 18 November 2024 • 4 min read
NHS waiting list records drop in September

NHS waiting list records drop in September

A&E under strain

Jaskeet Briah
clock 15 November 2024 • 2 min read
COVER Protection and Health Summit 2024: In pictures

COVER Protection and Health Summit 2024: In pictures

Event on 07 November

COVER
clock 13 November 2024 • 1 min read