Mental health stigma persists for tradespeople, survey shows

Trade supplier IronmongeryDirect has released its annual Mental Health in the Trades Report. 

The survey of tradespeople from across the UK helps to shed light on the ongoing challenges around mental health in the industry.

According to the findings, 91% of tradespeople have experienced work-related stress in the last year, with 56% indicating they experience these stresses at least once a week.

This is a significant increase from last year’s report when just over a quarter (27%) reported weekly work-related stress.

The report also highlights the stigma that remains around talking about mental health. 

The survey found that 56% of tradespeople do not talk to anyone about their mental health, while almost half (48%) worry about how others will perceive them if they do open up. 

In addition, more than one-fifth (22%) of tradespeople are unsure how to access the mental health support services they need.

Ellis Osborn, head of ecommerce at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The findings of our report make it clear that there is still so much more that needs to be done to tackle this crisis, which is impacting so many tradespeople. This has to change! 

“We hope that by shining a light on the scale of the problem we can help effect a meaningful change in the industry.”