UNISON highlights stress

The UNISON public services union has launched new leaflets and stickers with the message “Cut stress not jobs” as part of its health and safety campaigning.

UNISON head of health and safety Tracey Harding said that tens of thousands of public services jobs are being cut, each one of which “is a tragedy for the person concerned”.

She pointed out that those left behind are expected to keep vital public services running with fewer staff and less money. “Something has to give. And all too often it is the health of UNISON members.”

Harding added that the new stickers and leaflets can be used in addition to the union’s guide on stress giving practical tips on how branches can campaign and organise around getting employers to prevent or control work-related stress.

The Health and Safety Executive has online guidance for reps on how to help tackle stress at work using the Management Standard approach. This approach requires that the views of all employee groups are considered at the appropriate stage in the process.

www.unison.org.uk/news/cut-stress-not-jobs

www.hse.gov.uk/stress/roles/tradeunions.htm