Mind responds to the Mayfield "Keep Britain Working" review

In response to the Mayfield "Keep Britain Working" review, Tom Pollard, Mind's Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns, said: 

“When we’re well supported, paid fairly and treated with dignity and respect, we can thrive at work. Yet for too many of us with mental health problems, the reality is that staying in work or returning to work after being unwell is much harder than it should be. The Keep Britain Working Review rightly recognises that the system is already under strain and that without timely investment in support, especially for young people, the challenges will only deepen.

“More mentally healthy working environments and better workplace support for those experiencing poor mental health are critical. However, our mental health is heavily shaped by wider systemic issues, including poverty, discrimination and trauma. Employers have a vital role to play in prevention and support, but they cannot solve these challenges alone and we need to also see a clearer strategy for tackling these drivers of poor mental health and improving mental health services.

“The review’s focus on young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) is also key. But given that half of all mental health problems present by age 14, without better early support for young people we risk another generation being locked out of opportunity before they’ve even entered the workforce.

“We look forward to working with government, employers, and people with lived experience to help shape the next phase of this work, ensuring it delivers meaningful, lasting change for everyone. We need to see employers’ ambitions go beyond meeting the minimum legal requirements and instead push the boundaries of what good practice looks like.”