Britain’s manufacturers remain global leaders on workplace health and safety, but are falling behind in tackling psychological health risks such as stress and wellbeing, according to new research published by Make UK.
The study, based on a survey of senior decision-makers and shopfloor employees across the manufacturing sector, paints a picture of robust systems for managing physical risks, but far weaker and less consistent approaches to mental health. It also highlights a growing disconnect between boardroom perceptions and the experience of workers on the ground.
While manufacturers place strong emphasis on traditional safety issues such as manual handling and the use of hazardous substances, far fewer companies are giving the same priority to wellbeing and stress. Many firms have policies and procedures in place, but employees report patchy implementation and limited awareness of what support is available.
Almost a third of manufacturers said they do not offer an employee assistance programme, often citing cost or lack of awareness. However, the report warns that this may prove a false economy, particularly with Statutory Sick Pay becoming payable from day one of illness. Official estimates suggest the changes could cost businesses around £400m a year.
The findings come amid a sharp rise in work-related ill health. In 2024–25, 1.9m people were affected, up 200,000 on the previous year, with the entire increase driven by stress, anxiety and depression.
Chris Newson, director of environment, health and safety at Make UK, said the UK’s success in reducing workplace fatalities risked obscuring a growing problem. “The steady fall in fatalities has rightly established the UK as a global leader,” he said. “But an over-reliance on that metric can mask wider issues. The data shows wellbeing and long-term ill health are worsening, not improving.”
The survey found that 72 per cent of senior leaders believe their board takes a proactive approach to health issues, compared with just 67 per cent of workers. On overall leadership, the gap is wider still: 64 per cent of executives say boards lead on health, against 48 per cent of employees.
While more than 90 per cent of firms have risk assessments for manual handling, only 60 per cent assess wellbeing and fewer than half assess stress. Training shows a similar imbalance, with just a third of workers saying they receive training on managing stress.
Make UK is calling on the government to fully implement the recommendations of the Mayfield Review, including creating an accredited “Healthy Working Life” standard, providing targeted funding for wellbeing initiatives and improving coordination between employers, government and the health service.
“The scale of work-related ill health now demands a more rounded approach to workforce health,” Newson said, warning that neither businesses nor policymakers can afford to ignore the trend.
