The
number of people suffering from work-related stress has more than doubled in
the last decade, according to new figures from the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE).
Figures
show that in 1990 the estimated levels of stress-related conditions was 829 per
100,000 but that figure has now soared to 1,700 per 100,000.
The
GMB union expressed concern at the rise and called for legislation forcing
employers to take action.
Kim
Sunley, GMB’s health and safety officer said the carrot approach of providing
advice and information has failed to reduced stress at work and more pro-active
measures were needed.
"There
are still employers out there who are doing nothing to address work-related
stress. They have no policies and no risk assessments.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
"At
the very least we need an approved code of practice and an enforcement to make
sure it is applied," she said.
