TUC: Work-related stress is a “growing epidemic”

1 Nov 2018 10:48 AM

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday comment on the figures published by the Health and Safety Executive, which show that 15.4 million working days were lost to work-related stress, anxiety and depression in 2017/2018.

• 15.4 million working days lost to work-related stress in 2017/2018 – an increase of nearly 3 million.
• 239,000 new cases of work-related stress, depression and anxiety reported over the last year.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Work-related stress is a growing epidemic. It’s time employers and the government took it more seriously.

“Warm words are not going to fix this problem. Managers need to do far more to reduce the causes of stress and support employees struggling to cope.

“This means tackling issues like excessive workloads and bullying in the office. Toxic workplaces are bad for staff and productivity.

“My advice to anyone suffering from stress, anxiety and depression at work is to join a union. This is the best way to get your concerns heard.”

Editors note

• The HSE report that 15.4 million working days were lost to work-related stress, anxiety and depression in 2017/2018. In 2016/17 the number of days lost was 12.4 million.