Stress "epidemic" faced by university and college staff
26-01-2007
Stress is now at "epidemic levels" among higher and further education staff, a new report from the University and College Union (UCU) claims.
A poll of around 5,000 staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland revealed that factors such as excessive workloads, long hours, management culture and feelings of powerlessness were contributing to feelings of stress among some staff.
A considerable 82 per cent of respondents said that their overall workloads had increased in the past three years, with the same proportion feeling this had affected their stress levels.
Around 82 per cent said their organisation had a management culture that contributed to stress and 71 per cent found it stressful or very stressful that they were given responsibility without the authority to take decisions.
As much as 41 per cent of staff worked an average of 46 hours or more per week during term time and 46 per cent reported poor sleeping patterns as a result of stress.
Roger Kline, UCU head of equality and employment rights, said: "Tackling the causes of stress - excessive workloads, a long hours culture, a lack of influence over their work, job insecurity, a bullying culture and burgeoning administration - is now the top priority for our union."
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