Workload and mental health crisis in universities

A new report reveals a widespread workload and mental health crisis in universities. The Education Support charity study, Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education, is based on research from more than 2,000 academic and academic-related staff.

It found over half (53%) of those surveyed showed probable signs of depression. Almost eight in 10 (79%) said they need to work very intensively often or always, and one in five academics (21%) work an extra two days per week on top of their contracted hours.

The findings were published as the UCU university and college union balloted staff for strike action at 146 universities in protest at pay levels and working conditions. The union is demanding nationally agreed action to address the excessive workloads and unpaid work that are causing stress and mental ill health.

Last month, the union reported that more than 70% of members had backed strike action and 85% voted for action short of strike.

• A long-running dispute between prison educators and their employer, Novus, over Covid safety concerns has ended following an agreement the UCU says “makes work safer and provides a model for collaborative working”.

Some 600 prison educators took four days’ strike action earlier this year over health and safety concerns. The agreement includes improved risk assessment processes and health, safety and wellbeing systems of work, and regular safety meetings.

https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/x4jdvxpl/es-supporting-staff-wellbeing-in-he-report.pdf