Stress is now top health concern in the workplace

Stress levels are even higher for public-sector workers hit by over six years of Tory and Lib Dem cuts, according to a TUC survey of 1,000 union reps published as the world marks Mental Health Day today. People in northern and south-west England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have borne the brunt of the increase in workplace stress.

“The message from the shop floor is clear: stress is becoming a bigger and bigger problem,” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady. “Pressures of long working hours and low job security are being felt in workplaces across the UK. It’s in no-one’s interests to have overstretched workforces. People who experience high anxiety are less productive and are more likely to take time off. Stress is preventable if staff have reasonable workloads, supportive managers and a workplace free from violence, bullying and harassment.”

The TUC report coincided with another that called on ministers to ensure that workers’ mental health received as much attention as their physical health. The report by Mind, Mental Health First Aid England and Lib Dem former care minister Norman Lamb said there was mounting evidence of a “dearth” of mental health provision in the workplace.

“Mental health issues, stress, depression or anxiety account for almost 70 million days off sick per year, the most of any health condition,” pointed out Mental Health First Aid chief executive, Poppy Jaman.