British Workers Facing Record Levels Of Stress

Workers in the UK are facing a higher level of workplace stress than ever before, according to newly-released survey data from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The survey of more than 2,700 union safety reps found 79% of safety reps cite stress as a major hazard – the highest figure on record and significantly above all other hazards.

It was the top concern in every region and almost every industrial sector. It scored particularly high in central (80%) and local government (66%), health (68%), education (74%) and the voluntary sector (71%).

Workload, mentioned by 60% of reps, is close behind and rising sharply, with many reps saying excessive workloads are driving stress to unprecedented levels.

The TUC is calling on government and employers to enforce existing law requiring employers to assess and prevent work-related stress, strengthen the Health and Safety Executive with enough funding to investigate hazards and inspect workplaces properly, and reduce excessive workloads and ensure safe staffing levels.