Tradespeople and Mental Health: 2022 Report

A report on the topic of mental health in the trades has been released earlier this year, highlighting the important issue of work-related stress within the trade industry. We take mental health seriously at Access Training - our students are our number one priority, and we will always strive to support you throughout your studies with us. 

In honour of World Mental Health Day and to raise awareness of the issues that are prominent within our industry, we're going to answer the most common questions surrounding mental health in the trades.

How many tradespeople experience mental health issues? 

According to the report published by Ironmongery Direct - in collaboration with the UK's leading mental health charity, Mind - a staggering 4 in 5 tradespeople experience mental health issues due to their jobs. These mental health issues can be derived from stress, anxiety and depression. For 13% of these people, battling mental health issues is a daily endeavour. Whilst this percentage may seem small, a shocking two-thirds experience work-related stress at least once a month.

It's important to note, that for many, this is not just a one-off issue. Mental health issues persist daily and can manifest in many different forms, sometimes unnoticeably until it's unfortunately too late. This is why we should discuss mental health issues in the trades more frequently and openly to raise awareness, and to break the stigma. 

Which demographic is most affected by mental health issues? 

The study revealed that female workers are more prone to mental health conditions than men. These statistics should be taken with a pinch of salt, though, due to the fact that there is a global stigma surrounding the topic of male mental health which may mean they are less likely to confirm any mental health struggles. 

In terms of age, those between 18 and 24 are most likely to face mental health challenges. Despite this, people ages 35-44 face these conditions most often, with almost 18% struggling every single day.

What causes stress for tradespeople?

These are the top 10 causes of stress for tradespeople: 

1. Finances (34%)
2. Tensions with customers (24%)
3. High workload (23%)
4. Tensions with business partners (21%)
5. Tensions with suppliers (20%)
6. Job security (19%)
7. Making mistakes (19%)
8. Abuse from customers (18%)
9. Risk of catching Covid-19 (18%)
10. Doing the best job for customers (15%)

Which trade is most affected by mental health issues?

Read below to find out the most common problems of each trade...

Plastering: 46% of plasterers suffer with finance issues.

Carpenters: 37% worry about money, and 35% worry about tensions with customers.

Scaffolders: 53% worry about their high workload. 

Plumbers: 19% are most worried about a lack of work. 

How we help our students at Access Training

There is, undeniably, a stigma surrounding mental health in the trades - to the point where some tradespeople may feel as though they cannot speak out about their own battles. At Access Training, we want you to know that your anxieties will always be listened to, and met with solutions.

We'll be there every step of the way whilst you carry out your studies with us through our expert advice and guidance, and we'll be there long after through our ongoing career support service.

If you'd like to enrol onto any of our courses or enquire about our student support, do not hesitate to get in touch with us below.

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