Commenting on the Budget statement today (Wednesday) by the Chancellor, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, said:
"Today’s Budget was framed by the Chancellor as supporting people with the cost of living. However, while some of its measures will be welcome relief to those most in need, there was little to support employers or their staff navigate the significant and rapid social, political, economic and technological changes they face.
“British Safety Council called for wellbeing to be put at the heart of this budget, given the boost to productivity, profitability and growth that it would deliver. Our call for a National Wellbeing Strategy, led by a new Minister for Wellbeing, was first made in 2024 as part of our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manifesto. We renewed that call ahead of this budget in a letter to the Chancellor, recognising that central government is best placed to pull the right policy levers, at the right time, to embed wellbeing as part of our working and cultural lives.
“If the health of the workforce is reflective of the health of the nation and the economy, this week’s figures revealing record levels of stress, anxiety and depression at work show that more needs to be done. New Neighbourhood Health Centres, and a focus on young people’s health and work, are both welcome steps. But regulators overseeing and enforcing safety, health and wellbeing – in work and building safety – must be properly resourced, and we need a more joined-up approach across Government."