PRESS RELEASE

A new survey for the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the oldest public health agency in the world, has found that the majority of the public (85%) said there must be sufficient funding for public health workers, so they are not burnt out.

The survey findings, which were carried out for the Royal Society for Public Health by Yonder, have been released as part of Public Health Workforce Week (2-6 October 2023). 

Public Health Workforce Week celebrates and raises awareness of the crucial work of the whole public health workforce, their incredible achievements, and tireless contribution to public health and wellbeing.

The vast majority of the public (83%) said that there should be a greater focus in the UK on tackling the causes of poor health, with 81% reporting that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public health.

More than three in four people (78%) said that public health should be a priority for the next UK Government. 70% said they were concerned about the health of future generations if there isn’t greater investment in public health.

The survey found strong public support for investing in the public health workforce:

•    85% said that there must be sufficient funding for public health workers so they are not burnt out
•    Two in three (67%) said that public health workers are undervalued in society
•    82% said that the public health workforce is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s health
•    72% said that a long-term workforce plan is needed for those working in public health
•    70% said they were concerned about the health of future generations if there isn’t greater investment in public health
•    Half of the public (52%) have a good understanding of what the public health workforce does.

William Roberts, Chief Executive of RSPH said:

“The public health workforce keeps us healthy and safe. We know that many of these professionals, from cleaners to pest controllers, to school nurses and emergency planners that are under pressure and need support to deliver.

"Collectively we need to do more to ensure their work is recognised, they are supported to develop as professionals, and there is adequate investment so they can continue to deliver and keep us all healthy and safe.

"The public are strongly supportive of investment in the public health workforce and we would urge governments to invest in tackling the causes of poor health and creating a more prosperous society.”

FIND OUT MORE

Learn more about RSPH and the work they do on their website. 

rsph.org.uk