Long hours can cause depression

Low paid manual workers doing overtime are at increased risk of anxiety and depression, according to new research.

Norwegian medical researchers found even moderate overtime hours appear to raise the risk of “mental distress”, particularly among low paid workers and those doing heavy manual work.

The authors said their results support regulations setting a working hours ceiling.

Jail may be an option for safety offences

A bill to impose tougher fines on employers for safety offences has been sent to the House of Lords and may become law later this year.

The Health and Safety (Offences) Bill, which has government backing, would raise the maximum fine in magistrates’ courts from £5,000 to £20,000 for most offences and for the first time imprisonment will be made an option for most offences in lower and higher courts.

Dave Joyce CWU communication workers safety specialist urged the government to ensure that sufficient parliamentary time is provided to progress so that the Bill becomes law.