wellness
Workplace Wellbeing London: Rights & Local Support
Discover mental health support and employment rights for London workers. New 2026 protections, flexible working options near Moorgate, and local wellness programmes.
How we reported this
From 1 July 2026, employers in the City of London must provide written adjustments for staff disclosing anxiety or depression under expanded Equality Act guidance.
Commuter numbers on the new Cycle Superhighway 6 extension through Clerkenwell have risen 18 per cent since April, coinciding with reports of longer hours and tighter deadlines across professional services firms. The timing matters because summer workloads often coincide with reduced daylight hours for outdoor recovery, pushing more workers to seek structured support rather than relying on informal coping methods.
Employment rights in practice
Staff at offices near Moorgate can request flexible start times or remote days without fear of redundancy, provided they supply a fit note from their NHS GP. The rule change builds on the 2024 statutory sick pay reforms that removed the three-day waiting period for mental health absences, a detail confirmed in guidance issued by the Department for Work and Pensions last month.
Neighbourhood programmes on offer
The Royal Parks running network operates coached group sessions every Tuesday evening at Regent’s Park starting from the Inner Circle gate, while Parkrun UK events take place each Saturday morning at Clapham Common with start times at 9am. Both programmes are free and open to beginners, giving workers a low-cost way to build routine movement into their week. The NHS Talking Therapies service in Camden offers six-session courses booked through local GP surgeries on a self-referral basis, with the next intake listed for 21 July.
A 2025 NHS Digital report recorded 312,000 referrals for anxiety and stress-related conditions across London boroughs, up 9 per cent from the previous year. Average wait time for an initial assessment at borough hubs stands at 18 days, though priority slots exist for those already signed off work.
Anyone experiencing persistent low mood should book a telephone appointment with their GP practice first, then ask about workplace adjustment letters or referral to a local group such as the one at Regent’s Park. Details of current session times appear on the Royal Parks website and the Parkrun UK app.