Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said a major study from researchers at University College Cork reinforces the value of employers investing in the mental health of their workers.

The report outlined the value of such support and the cost to the economy of not investing.

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“Research published today by University College Cork (UCC) gives significant insight into the mental health of Irish workers.

“The study shows that despite mental health issues costing the Irish economy approximately €11 billion each year, the vast majority of employers (80 percent) are not investing in workplace mental health.

“According to researchers, mental health-related absenteeism is on the rise with one-fifth of Irish businesses experiencing mental health related issues in the past year.

“The study is an important first step in understanding workplace mental health and efforts employers are taking to promote wellness and positive mental health.

“The data is a cause for concern and comes on the back of recent B&A survey analysis which found that 47 percent of those surveyed feel tired all the time.

“It is a truism that a happy worker is a productive worker, and it is important that the government analyse the findings of this report.

“I would also call on employer representatives and trade union representatives on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) to review the research and make recommendations to government.”