Motion no: 19
Conference notes that The “New Decade, New Approach” agreement in January 2020 set out a mental health strategy that led to the Department of Health “Mental Health Action Plan” in May 2020. Conference further notes that the draft Programme for Government prioritises mental health and wellbeing. However the COVID-19 situation continues to impact negatively on the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, education workers and families across Northern Ireland and fundamental inequalities which have existed for many years have been laid bare.
Conference notes that NI has one of the highest suicide rates in the world and nearly twice the average suicide rate than in England; suicide has killed more people than the troubles in Northern Ireland. 1 in 5 adults in NI have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with a 20% higher chance of having a mental disorder than the rest of the UK. The extent of mental health disorders in NI has resulted in NI with the highest rate of anti-depression subscriptions in the UK.
Workplace stress, which can lead to mental health problems, is also on the rise.
We are currently experiencing a Covid-19 pandemic and with that mental health issues related to the health emergency, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders are more likely to affect healthcare workers, especially those on the frontline, migrant workers, and workers in contact with the public. Conference recognises that Mental health is currently in crisis from Tory imposed DUP/SF cuts to health funding; In addition Stormont does not take mental health disorders in NI seriously and have not addressed the underlying issues at health care level nor tackling the social issues of providing better jobs, education, housing etc that has added to this mental health crisis.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland estimates, based on GB figures, that there are 15,000 cases of work related stress, anxiety and depression in Northern Ireland each year. While a 2018 UK-wide report from Investors in People (IIP) highlighted the Northern Ireland region as having the greatest percentage of employees who are experiencing stress as a result of work, with 85% saying they have felt stress while at work.
Trade union representatives and Officers are dealing with more members than ever before who have mental health problems which may be further exacerbated by employment issues and processes such as workplace investigations, disciplinary processes and stressful or traumatic events at work.
We must also remember that under health and safety legislation, employers have a duty of care to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of their workforce is protected. This must include risk assessments to identify health and safety hazards, including factors which give rise to workplace stress.
We request as a collective trade union movement that more support and care is provided for our representatives, who themselves may have mental health issues that could be triggered by dealing with member cases. We need to be proactive rather than reactive in protecting our representatives.
We call on conference to:
- campaign and lobby for additional funding for mental health services, political recognition of the mental health impact of the conflict in NI and the link between poverty and mental health issues.
- Ensure that workplace stress and managing mental health is highlighted to the Northern Ireland Executive in the context of the new Mental Health strategy;
- review what is in place for trade union representatives regarding managing stress at work and mental health awareness and support.
- ensure that all necessary pressure is exerted across the various departments of the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that they honour their commitments and deliver the mental health strategies and services that our children, workers and wider society need and deserve
provide sufficient resources to the NIC-ICTU Health Committee, working in collaboration with the NIC ICTU Health and Safety Committee, to organise seminars on workplace stress and mental health for representatives. Seminars should include employer involvement and draw on best practice from statutory bodies including the HSENI and the Equality Commission.
