UKCP responds to an update published by Sir Charlie Mayfield, the co-chair of Keep Britain Working

UKCP responds to an update published by Sir Charlie Mayfield, the co-chair of Keep Britain Working, that says earlier and better support for people with mental health conditions in the workplace is key to driving growth and productivity   

UKCP welcomes the government’s plans to develop a new Workplace Health System, focusing on preventing people from becoming unemployed because of ill health and helping people return to work when they are ready. 

Earlier intervention, personalised support and bringing together employers, the NHS, local authorities and mental health services must be central to this approach. 

For people experiencing mental health conditions, timely access to appropriate psychological and psychotherapeutic support can make an important difference in helping them remain in work or return to employment sustainably. 

UKCP has previously called for the counselling and psychotherapy workforce to be better utilised within employment and health programmes.  

As the government develops the Workplace Health System, appropriate and tailored psychotherapeutic support must be embedded within employment and workplace health support, with appropriate referral routes and person-centred provision. 

UKCP looks forward to working with government, employers and partners across the mental health sector to ensure psychotherapy plays its full part in helping people return to employment when they are ready.