Executives sign Maritime UK Mental Health in industry pledge

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Dozens of companies, agencies and associations from across the UK shipping industry have signed Maritime UK’s Mental Health in Maritime pledge, an initiative launched on March 2 to promote employee mental health and wellbeing to executives in the sector.

The pledge, a public commitment to improve the quality of mental health and wellbeing provision both within the signatories’ companies and across the industry, forms part of Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime Programme along with the Gender Pledge.

Companies will be asked to report against the pledge

The first signatories to the pledge include the UK Chamber of Shipping, ABP, The Royal Navy, Nautilus International, Bibby Marine Management and the British Ports Association.

Robert Courts, UK Maritime Minister said: “Now is a critical time to demonstrate to workers that their mental health is a priority. This pledge marks a commitment to create a culture where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, should they choose to. I encourage all organisations across the sector to make the pledge”

Signatories commit to dispelling the stigma around mental health issues, fostering positive mental health states through working conditions and practices, educating their workforces and supporting those struggling with mental health issues. The full text of the pledge can be read here.

Sarah Kenny, Chair, Maritime UK said: “There has been a welcome recognition of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in recent months – and this pledge provides a framework to bring that work together; to share and support one another to move the sector forward. We call on companies across maritime to sign the pledge.”