Automotive sector

HSE’s Working Minds campaign is joined by partners, the National Body Repair Association (NBRA), the commercial Vehicle Body Repair Association (VBRA) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA), and industry charity Ben.

Ben, a charity that supports people who work or have worked in the automotive industry, has revealed one in two workers in the automotive sector have struggled with their mental health and wellbeing in the past 12 months, while 50% of those involved in the industry are likely to have been dealing with stress, worry or anxiety, low mood or depression. Ben has also seen a 190% rise in people using their benefits counselling service and accessing their financial guidance.

Ellen Plumer, Head of Outreach, Health and Wellbeing at Ben, says: “Each year thousands of people come to Ben with mental health issues as their primary concern. From the results of the latest survey of those in the automotive industry, 1 in 2 workers has struggled in the past 12 months. Stress is the most common issue, followed by anxiety and poor sleep.”

Ellen adds: “We know there is a strong link between money worries and mental health. If you’re struggling with money, then you’re likely to be stressed and anxious. It’s really important for employers to understand that all areas of a person’s life impact health and wellbeing. Work is a big part of life so it’s important to make people feel like they matter, are heard and feel supported.”

Get started today

There are three main reasons employers should be looking to prevent stress and support good mental health in business: it’s the law, it’s good for business and it’s the right thing to do. The law requires all employers to protect workers from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it.

The earlier a problem is tackled the less impact it will have for the person and your business. Stress affects people differently – what stresses one person may not affect another.

You can get started today with five simple steps:

1. Reach out and have conversations
2. Recognise the signs and causes of stress
3. Respond to any risks identified by agreeing action points between employer and worker
4. Reflect on the actions taken – have things improved?
5. make it Routine to check back in on how things are going.

Help and resources

If someone is having problems, encourage them to talk to someone, whether it’s their line manager, trade union representative or GP.

Ben can provide support to anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry and offers free and confidential online self-help and support services. For more information visit www.ben.org.uk or call the helpline on 08081 311 333.

• Sign up to the Working Minds e-bulletin
• Watch our stress and mental health at work video
• Download a Talking Toolkit
• Working Minds Poster - automotive
• Download a risk assessment template
• Get your free Every Mind Matters Mind Plan.