News & Press

Over recent years there has been better recognition of the economic and social costs of poor mental health among the population. Improving mental health has also become an increasing political priority, illustrated for example by the recent appointment of a Minister for Mental Health to the full Shadow Cabinet. At the same time, public attitudes have been changing for the better, leading to a more open culture in relation to mental health. IES has a long track record of researching mental health at work and recently undertook research for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to investigate how higher education institutions provided support for students with mental health problems and/or other impairments with intensive support need.

‘You’re never too young to learn about health and safety’ according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which aims to make European workplaces safer, healthier and more productive. IES recently carried out an evaluation of EU-OSHA’s ongoing ‘Napo for Teachers’ initiative, developed with the aim of promoting basic health and safety knowledge to primary school children.

During Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nigel Meager looks at what the rise in self-employment might mean for job quality.

Sam Swift casts an eye on the Indian labour market, and ponders where the world's second biggest country is heading.

The IES and HECSU report for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has been published.

On National Stress Awareness Day, Sally Wilson considers current initiatives with a bearing on the stresses of working life.

Dilys Robinson debates whether height discrimination should be more recognised in the workplace, and even feature in diversity and inclusion policies.

On the eve of World Mental Health Day, Matthew Williams and Emma Pollard outline IES findings of universities' support for students with mental health problems.