5 A vision for employment support
In the next activity, you will examine how we as a society might need to reconsider work. This is especially important following the COVID-19 lockdowns, in which many people had to work from home and others, particularly in the health care sector, endured a very stressful work environment.
Activity 5 How working might change after COVID-19
Read the following article by the NHS Confederation about how employment can be reconsidered in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: Five key principles to guide us through the COVID-19 aftermath [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . Note the recommendations they propose and the challenges they address in your table, adding to your existing notes.
Interactive table 2 Supporting people with mental health problems in employment: challenges and recommendations
Comment
The blog from NHS Confederation identifies several things that need to happen. Three are noted below to give you an idea, but your list of recommendations may be longer.
| Challenges | Recommendations | |
| Mental health services | Mental health support is patchy and fragmented. | Work together with communities and civil society to support individuals. |
| Employers | The seasonal economy suffered during the pandemic, affecting unemployment rates. | Individual placement support (IPS) would support people with mental health problems to attain and retain employment. Invest in employment support with a therapeutic element. |
| Government | The pandemic had economic and social impacts and increased economic inequality. | A long-term plan for the nation’s health must focus on mental health. Increase investment in employment services. |