Press Release

‘Stress levels at college of Higher Education reach crisis point’

A detailed study of stress levels among academic staff carried out by local NATFHE officials has uncovered extremely high levels of work-related stress at Edge Hill. 88% of the people surveyed indicated that they had suffered some form of work-related stress in this academic year. The consequences of the high stress levels have been stark for some including strokes (as diagnosed by a medical practitioner), alcohol abuse, insomnia, palpitations, mouth disorders and high blood pressure.

The interest in work-related stress has increased manifold in the 1990's. The number of claims being taken against employers has risen dramatically during that time. In July 1999, a Birmingham City Council worker was awarded £67,000 after suffering serious psychiatric illness because of the job she was doing. In October of the same year, a secondary school teacher was awarded a £47,000 pay out because of the wok-related stress experienced as a result of her job.

The causes of the stress levels reported in the Edge Hill survey include highly intensive working, perceived apathy by line and senior managers and an unapproachable Personnel Department. Only two people who responded to the survey had actually been to consult with the Human Resource Department about the work-related stress they had experienced. In explaining their reluctance to approach the HR department, one academic commented that "it would be career suicide" and "nothing would be done anyway". The survey indicates that academic staff suffering from work-related stress may be as much as 20 times more likely to see doctors outside the work situation than walk down the corridor and see a member of Personnel.

A climate of outrage is taking hold within the institution. The survey clearly highlights that 7 out of every 10 academics believe Edge Hill to be inadequately prepared to deal with the work-related stress being experienced. This has resulted in widespread disillusionment with the institution and pessimism regarding its desire to achieve Taught Degree Awarding Powers.

As the author of the survey points out, it is not only academic members of staff who suffer from work-related stress. Other workers at the institution can become increasingly frustrated as the sense of cooperation within and across departments becomes strained. The survey undertaken at Edge Hill has drawn attention to an issue that is all-too-often ignored. Unfortunately, this attitude to work-related stress can compound the problem and, as the Edge Hill Natfhe survey points out, bring on life threatening conditions.