Stress is the top health and safety concern in UK workplaces according to a TUC study published today (Monday) on World Mental Health Day.
The TUC’s biennial survey of more than 1,000 health and safety reps around the UK asks them to pick out the hazards at work that most trouble them and their workforces.
Stress was at the top of the list in this year’s survey, with 7 in 10 reps (70%) citing it as a problem – up 3% since the last survey in 2014 when 67% did so, and a higher proportion than in any previous TUC study. Stress is one of the main causes of mental health problems, in particular anxiety and depression.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The message from the shop floor is clear, stress is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. 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.
“Anyone worried about their workload or being unfairly treated at work should join a union, to get the support they need and their interests represented at work.”
The TUC has published guidance on dealing with stress at work and how employers can promote positive mental health. It highlights three key points:
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- More than 1,000 health and safety reps took part in the TUC’s 12th annual health and safety survey. Health and safety representatives are volunteers appointed by unions to work with workers and employers to keep workplaces safe.
- The findings of the TUC’s health and safety rep survey are available at www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/focusonhealthsafetyreport.pdf
- % of reps reporting stress as the top concern in 2016 and 2014 by region and nation
Region or nation |
2016 |
2014 |
% increase/decrease |
The North |
78 |
67 |
+11 |
The North West |
66 |
71 |
-5 |
Yorkshire and the Humber |
67 |
67 |
0 |
The Midlands |
73 |
71 |
+2 |
East Anglia |
64 |
59 |
+5 |
The South East |
67 |
62 |
+5 |
London |
74 |
75 |
-1 |
The South West |
81 |
75 |
+6 |
Scotland |
74 |
66 |
+8 |
Wales |
75 |
70 |
+5 |
Northern Ireland |
78 |
65 |
+13 |
- The TUC’s guidance on workplace stress is available at www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/Stress%20Guidance%20July%202014%20pdf_0.pdf
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews
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