date: 23 December 2002 embargo: 00.01 hrs Tuesday, 7 January 2003

Attention: South East media

South East workers show the strain: worst stress problems in Britain

Stress and overwork is worse in the South East than any other region in the country, according to a TUC survey of workplace union safety reps published today (Tuesday, 7 January). Stress was a major health and safety problem in nearly two thirds (61%) of the region’s workplaces, more than any other region. The main causes of stress in the South East were workloads, followed by cuts in staff and change.

Other issues of concern in the region were:

• display screen equipment (DSE) - 40% of workplaces - the second worst in the country;

• repetitive strain injuries (RSI) - 35% of workplaces;

• long hours - 32% of workplaces; and

• back strains - 32% of workplaces.

SERTUC Regional Secretary Mick Connolly said:

'We know that the economy, transport and housing markets have over-heated in the South East. It seems that the workforce is also getting hot under the collar, with stress levels higher than any other region. These figures show that workers in the South East are being stressed and strained in every way - long hours, bad backs and RSI compound the problems of stress and overwork. We need to work smarter and slower, not harder, longer and faster.'

The South East also showed the greatest concern about passive smoking at work (75% higher than the national average), and second greatest concern about violence and threats (31% of workplaces).

Notes to Editors:

598 safety reps in the region took part in the national survey, which the TUC conducts every two years. The full survey, Health and safety 2002, is published on 7 January as part of the TUC’s Trade Union Trends series. Copies are available priced £30 from TUC Publications (0207 467 1294).

All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 8am-10pm. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen on 020 7467 1248 or 07699 744115 (pager) or email lchinchen@tuc.org.uk

Other enquiries: Owen Tudor on 07788 715261 (mobile) or otudor@tuc.org.uk or Mick Connolly on 07887 797157

Press release (400 words) issued 7 Jan 2003