Analysis by health services provider Simplyhealth reveals the UK has lost 17 million working days to mental ill-health in 2026, a milestone arriving two days ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, highlighting the growing impact of mental health issues on the workforce.
Simplyhealth states that mental ill-health is the leading cause of long-term employee absence in the UK and the second leading cause of short-term absence. They have published a running total at intervals this year, based on the Health and Safety Executive’s estimate of 22.1 million working days lost to stress, depression or anxiety in 2024/25.
Mental Health Support
A survey by Simplyhealth found that 61 per cent of employers said they offer mental health support, while 41 per cent of employees reported having it. This difference suggests that nearly a third of employees may have access to support without realising it.
Among employees, 14 per cent said faster mental health appointments would improve their ability to access the healthcare they want. Gen Z employees were more likely to want faster appointments, with 19 per cent saying it would improve their access to healthcare.
Barriers to Healthcare Access
Employees reported losing an average of 2.1 working days in the last 12 months because of delayed or difficult access to healthcare. 52 per cent had delayed seeking medical care in the last year, and 66 per cent said they would be more productive if they could access healthcare more quickly.
Read Also: Enterprises weigh managed scraping vs. DIY for business data needs
The report, which includes economic analysis by WPI Economics, put the cost of barriers to healthcare access at £17 billion to the UK economy in 2025.
Improving Access to Mental Health Support
Simplyhealth and Mental Health First Aid England are encouraging employers to improve access to mental health support. They suggest that employers start by giving managers the skills and confidence to talk about mental health.
Bree Rhodes-Wort, partnerships development manager at Simplyhealth, said: “17 million working days lost to mental ill-health is a stark reminder that poor mental health has far-reaching impacts, on individuals, communities and the economy.”
Vicki Cockman, director of training and consultancy at MHFA England, said: “Employers are paying for mental health support that up to a third of their people may not know exists. Managers are best placed to close that gap, but they can’t do it alone.”
Simplyhealth provides 24/7 mental health support and counselling, health cash plans and pay-as-you-go services to its members. The company will look at how it can evolve its mental health proposition during the rest of 2026, working with its partners.