Unions act on mental ill-health epidemic

The pressurised and stressful world of work is leading to an epidemic of mental health illness, while a “conspiracy of silence” means the true scale of the problem remains hidden, say unions. 


After hearing of growing suicide rates, delegates to the CWU communications union’s conference in April unanimously instructed their national executive committee to develop a comprehensive mental health strategy. This will build on the awareness-raising work the union is already carrying out. 


The Community union called for Scottish TUC (STUC) support to help it achieve the aims of its current priority campaign on mental health. 


STUC conference Community delegate Stephen McGregor said millions of workers are being left to deal with their mental health issues alone and in silence “due to stigma, lack of knowledge, training and support on how to support friends and colleagues in the workplace”.


The Unite general union used International Workers’ Memorial Day in April to highlight an “epidemic” of mental health problems. 


Writing in the Morning Star, assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said key triggers include long hours, isolation, working away from home and being overloaded and pressurised. 


Unite has set up a new mental health taskforce that will produce new guidance for negotiators and put employers on notice that it expects every workplace to be safe and actively prevent work-related mental ill health.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/mental-health-issues-rise-among-workers