Ryan FowlerA shocking 69 per cent of not-for-profit and charity workers are suffering from anxiety which is linked to an excessive hours culture.
Seven out of 10 employees regularly run themselves into the ground by working up to a 50-hour week – thirteen hours over the average 37-hour week.
The data comes from Unite, the UK’s leading union, following a survey of almost 2,000 not-for-profit staff. The union is now a mounting a campaign to ensure that employers undertake workplace stress risk assessment and abide by their findings. In addition Unite is are campaigning to ensure employers guarantee that support programmes are consistent and of high quality.
The survey’s findings have been released during Mental Health Awareness Month, the figures also highlighted a concerning trend of prejudice in workplaces throughout the industry. Alarmingly, 86 per cent of workers said they suffered anxiety due to bullying and discrimination from colleagues.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “These figures reveal the grim reality that workers are facing mental ill health on an industrial scale. Unite takes a zero tolerance approach to such appalling workplace practices.
“Unite always priorities the jobs, pay and working conditions of its members and it is putting the sector on notice, employers must make immediate improvements and start treating workers decently.”
One worker, who is employed by a children’s charity, said: “I experience bullying and discrimination from my manager. Staff are not allowed to voice an opinion otherwise we face repercussions, such as worse treatment or changes to pay. There is a disturbing and toxic work atmosphere.”
Unite has recently launched the United Minds campaign, which provides valuable information to support members with mental health issues.
As well as industrial calls to action, Unite is demanding new legislation around workplace stress and psychological risk – lawfully cementing a duty to conduct specific risk assessments.
Andy Murray, Unite national officer, said: “Management within the not-for-profit sector are exploiting our members’ dedication to their respective causes – forcing them to work excessive hours.
“Mental health is a serious matter. No one should feel unsafe or unhappy at work. This is a collective issue for our members and by working alongside our reps we will ensure real change is achieved.”
