In a recent study conducted by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk, the human health and social work industry has emerged as the most stressful sector in the UK.
Analysing data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the study investigated the number of self-reported stress-related illnesses per 100,000 workers from March 2022 to March 2023, revealing compelling insights into the stressful nature of various industries.
Stress Ranking by Industry:
- Human Health and Social Work Activities: 3,530 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Public Defence: 3,260 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Education: 2,720 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities: 2,310 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Finance: 2,140 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Real Estate: 2,070 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Information and Communication: 1,870 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Arts and Entertainment: 1,820 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Wholesale and Retail Trade: 1,530 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
- Accommodation and Food Service Activities: 1,430 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers
Industry Insights:
- The human health and social work industry, with a staggering 3,530 reported stress illnesses per 100,000 workers, claims the top spot. Despite the high stress levels, this sector boasts one of the widest salary ranges, ranging from £17,000 to £63,000, encompassing roles such as doctors, therapists, and nursing home assistants.
- Public defence, ranking second, reveals an average salary range of £18,000 to £31,000, with 3,260 stress illnesses reported per 100,000 workers. Security guards and prison officers are particularly prone to work-related stress in this sector.
- Education, ranking third, has an average salary range of £28,000 to £40,000, with 2,720 stress illnesses reported per 100,000 workers, indicating the high stress levels among educators.
Tips for Personal Injury Claims for Stress:
- Identify The Cause of Your Stress: Recognise the root cause, such as heavy workloads, lack of support, or workplace bullying.
- Make a Note of Your Emotions: Keep a daily record of your emotions to track changes in mental health over time.
- Speak to Your Employer About Any Concerns: Communicate concerns to employers, seeking potential resolutions before considering a personal injury claim.
- Keep Track of Any GP Appointments: Maintain medical records for timely submission of personal injury claims, often required within three years of the occurrence.
A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk emphasised the importance of mental health in the workplace, urging employers to create open environments for discussion.
They noted that personal injury claims extend beyond physical injuries to encompass mental, emotional, and psychological harm, emphasising the need for individuals experiencing work-related stress to consult legal professionals.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.