Burnt Chef Project partners with HSE Working Minds campaign

Eight in 10 (84%) hospitality professionals have experienced difficulties with their mental health during their career, a survey conducted by the Burnt Chef Project has revealed.

A further 46% of the 1,273 respondents would not feel comfortable talking about their mental health concerns with their colleagues.

It comes after the Burnt Chef Project announced its partnership with regulator Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Working Minds campaign to challenge work-related stress in the hospitality industry, which often demands long antisocial hours and tough environmental conditions.

HSE statistics published in 2020/21 showed that out of the 1.7m workers suffering from work-related illnesses, 822,000 cases were due to stress, depression or anxiety.

Kris Hall, founder of the Burnt Chef Project, said: “The wellbeing of hospitality teams has been neglected for far too long. The hospitality sector is the third largest recruiter within the UK employing just over 3.2 million people.

“We need to address the root causes of work-related stress, that’s why we’re pleased to be working with HSE on the Working Minds Campaign.

"Here at the Burnt Chef Project we’re committed to providing the right level of supportive structures and training so that we’re able to douse the flames associated with work related stress that ultimately lead to higher rates of ill mental health.”

Alison Wellens, interim head of Health and Work Branch at HSE, said: “We’re delighted to have our new campaign partners on board to champion Working Minds in hospitality. They will play an important role in sharing key information as well as provide essential insight into the unique stressors experienced by people working in the industry as we continue to evolve our campaign.”

More information about the Working Minds campaign, which provides support for small businesses, can be found here.