Working under stress

More than a third of the UK workforce is experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress, according to a survey of employees in junior and senior roles.

Mental health problems are said to affect around one in six people in any given week. Of 2,000 workers who responded, 34 per cent said they had a health and wellbeing problem.

The survey found two in five, 39 per cent, of employees said they had taken time off work or reduced their responsibilities due to their health. And nearly a quarter, 23 per cent, said they do not think their organisation takes employee wellbeing seriously.

Of those who had taken time off work for health reasons, 39 per cent said they did not feel comfortable telling their employer about the issue.

Previous research by mental health charity Mind found that nearly half (48 per cent) of all public sector workers have been forced to take time off because of problems with their mental health.