27
Accepted
Address occupational demands and cultural barriers preventing rural workers taking time away.
Recommendation
The Government should look at how to respond to the occupational demands placed on farmers, agricultural and veterinary workers and any cultural barriers that: prevent these workers from taking time away from work, are detrimental for mental health without opportunity for respite, or are a block on taking time off when sick or injured to recover and to dealing with mental ill-health.
Government Response Summary
The government highlights its close existing work and regular engagement with the veterinary profession, and points to several initiatives already in place by organisations like the RCVS and BVA to support the mental health of veterinary professionals. It does not commit to new government action to specifically examine and respond to the occupational demands and cultural barriers.
Paragraph Reference
171
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Government works closely with the veterinary profession, including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Defra officials regularly engage with both these organisations as well as the wider profession. The profession has several initiatives in place, such as the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and the BVA Good Veterinary Workplace Scheme and note too, the work that is being done by organisations such as VetLife to support the mental health of veterinary professionals.
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.0 yrs
Report published
18 May 2023