The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is grappling with a mental health crisis as staff absences due to stress, anxiety, and depression hit a three-year high. According to data obtained by Accident Claims Advice (ACA) through a Freedom of Information request, mental health absences have surged by 47% since 2021, with 468 cases recorded in 2023/24 alone.
A Worsening Trend
Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 1,129 LFB employees took at least one day off work citing mental health issues. Stress emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 78% of mental health absences in the latest reporting period.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- 2021/22: 309 absences (230 due to stress, 37 anxiety-related, 26 depression, 16 other psychological).
- 2022/23: 365 absences (270 stress-related, 48 anxiety-related, 8 adverse trauma response).
- 2023/24: 468 absences (364 stress-related, 43 anxiety-related, 23 depression, 19 other psychological, 10 adverse trauma response).
Mounting Costs
The financial toll of these absences is equally alarming. The estimated cost of all sickness absences, including those related to mental health, rose from £25.69 million in 2021/22 to a staggering £29.5 million in 2023/24.
Voices of Concern
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), called the situation a “mental health crisis.” He pointed to the inherent challenges of firefighting—dealing with traumatic incidents, life-or-death situations, and chronic underfunding—as key contributors.
“After a decade of cuts to the fire and rescue service, firefighters are being pushed beyond limits to keep the public safe. Responding to life-or-death situations without adequate resources is intensely stressful. To address this mental health crisis, we need central government to provide the investment needed to rebuild the service,” said Wrack.
Patchy Mental Health Support
Wrack also highlighted disparities in mental health provision across the UK’s fire services, emphasising that consistent and robust support is essential for those in such high-stress roles.
Call for Action
The data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and government investment to address the strain on firefighters and ensure their wellbeing.
