More than one in five UK employees feel unable to discuss their mental health struggles in the workplace, according to new research highlighting persistent stigma and a lack of employer support.

The study, based on data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), reveals that 7.5 million workers experience anxiety, depression, or stress caused or worsened by their jobs. Despite these challenges, they do not feel safe disclosing their difficulties to their employers.

A significant gender divide emerged in the findings, with 3.9 million men reporting workplace-related mental health issues without seeking support. This figure is 8% higher than the 3.5 million women who experienced similar struggles, suggesting that men may feel a greater reluctance to ask for help.

Industry-Wide Disparities

The research also identified stark differences across industries. The automotive sector had the highest proportion of employees suffering in silence, with 1.13 million workers reporting unaddressed mental health concerns. This was closely followed by the health and social care sector, where 1.11 million employees kept their struggles private.

In contrast, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry recorded the lowest number of workers suffering unseen, at 264,000. The financial and insurance sector followed closely behind, with 256,000 employees reluctant to speak up about their mental health challenges.

Calls for Workplace Change

Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, which conducted the research, described the findings as “shocking.” He emphasized that while progress has been made in addressing mental health stigma, many workers still do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles.

“Our research shines a very necessary light on the issue, helping employers better understand just how widespread mental health challenges are,” Stockley said. “Change begins in the workplace, and with the right culture and training, employers can ensure their businesses are safe spaces for all who work there.”

The findings underscore the need for businesses to foster open discussions about mental health and provide proper support structures for employees. Experts suggest that implementing mental health training for managers, offering confidential support services, and promoting an inclusive workplace culture could help break down barriers and encourage workers to seek help without fear of stigma or repercussions.

As workplace mental health remains a growing concern, the study serves as a wake-up call for employers to take meaningful steps toward improving employee well-being and creating an environment where mental health can be discussed openly and without fear.

Amazon is taking significant steps toward launching same-day drone deliveries in the UK, starting with its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham. The company is seeking approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate drones in the airspace around the site, marking a potential breakthrough for its Prime Air service in the country.

A public meeting is being held in Darlington this week to discuss the proposal, as Amazon works to gain the necessary permissions to begin drone operations. If approved, the service would allow customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the warehouse—excluding restricted flight zones—to receive packages by drone. However, before deliveries can begin, Amazon representatives will assess each customer’s property to ensure there is adequate space for the drone to land. Customers will also need to set up a lightweight landing pad in their gardens for the drone to identify and land safely.

This move comes after Amazon received CAA approval in August 2023 for beyond-line-of-sight drone testing at a separate UK location. The company has already conducted Prime Air deliveries in parts of the United States, such as Texas and Arizona, and in Italy. However, the service was temporarily halted after test crashes in Oregon led to a software update. Amazon had originally planned to launch drone deliveries in the UK and Italy by the end of 2024, but that timeline has since been delayed, and no specific launch date for the Darlington service has been set.

Amazon’s history with drone deliveries dates back to a successful pilot in Cambridge in 2016. However, its UK drone programme was scaled back in 2021, and subsequent trials in places like Italy, California, and Oregon have faced challenges, including two drone crashes in Oregon during rainy conditions. Despite these setbacks, Amazon insists that the accidents were not the primary reason for the service pause, and the company is addressing the issue with an updated software system.

The UK is actively supporting the expansion of commercial drone services. Royal Mail has been testing drone deliveries to remote areas, including the Shetland Islands, and has extended its programme in Orkney until at least February 2026. Additionally, BT has invested £5 million in creating a 165-mile “drone superhighway” across southern and central England, enabling beyond visual line of sight flights under new CAA regulations.

While Amazon has not specified a launch date for the Darlington service, the company views this development as an exciting step forward. With regulatory approval and infrastructure in place, Amazon hopes to move closer to fully launching its Prime Air service in the region, continuing its efforts to collaborate with local residents and authorities.