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

Advisers need to create ecosystems to support with dementia: Rose St Louis

Advisers need to create ecosystems to support with dementia: Rose St Louis

"We really need to be thinking holistically"

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 June 2025 • 6 min read
ProtectZ morning round-up

ProtectZ morning round-up

"It's scary to think ahead to retirement age"

Jaskeet Briah
clock 19 June 2025 • 3 min read
Quarter of mid-lifers have sought advice: Royal London

Quarter of mid-lifers have sought advice: Royal London

Hold the most protection products

Jaskeet Briah
clock 17 June 2025 • 3 min read