Unions highlight "stress epidemic"

Stress is the biggest health concern for British workers, with four in five union representatives raising fears about its affects, according to a new study.

On the eve of National Stress Awareness Day 80% of union health and safety reps told the TUC that stress was a problem in their workplaces, caused largely by heavy workloads and staff cuts. The survey of 5,300 union officials found that jobs in central government and finance were the most stressful, closely followed by education and health.

People working in the South East suffered the greatest stress, while those in East Anglia were most laid back.

To mark Stress Awareness Day the TUC revealed the latest tool in a high-tech armoury it is developing to end what it calls a "stress epidemic".

A website has been set up to help union officials and employers identify the causes of stress and suggest solutions.

The site looks at ways of reducing workloads, such as changing deadlines and increasing training.

TUC General Secretary John Monks said: "Britain's workplaces are some of the most stressed in Europe, and it's time to stop working harder and start working smarter.

"Long hours and heavy workloads combine to make a lethal mixture which leads to heart attacks, mental illness and social problems like divorce and alcoholism. "It's plainly a false economy to work people into the ground."

The most stressful industries, according to union officials, are central government, with 72.5% of reps concerned about its affect on colleagues; banking, finance and insurance (72%); education (71.5%) and the health service (61.2%).

Story filed: This Is London 5th Nov 2002