In a recent study conducted by personal injury experts at Claims.co.uk, the stress landscape within various industries in the United Kingdom has been unveiled, shedding light on the most challenging workplaces for employees.
The analysis, based on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data from March 2022 to March 2023, focused on self-reported stress illnesses per 100,000 workers, revealing significant disparities across different sectors.
Human Health and Social Work Activities Take Top Spot
Topping the list as the most stressful industry is human health and social work activities, with a staggering 3,530 reported stress illnesses per 100,000 workers. Despite this challenging work environment, this industry boasts one of the largest salary ranges, spanning from £17,000 to £63,000 and encompassing professions such as doctors, therapists, and nursing home assistants.
Public Defence and Education Follow Closely
Public defence emerges as the second most stressful industry, with an average salary range of £18,000 to £31,000, and 3,260 reported stress-related illnesses per 100,000 workers. This category encompasses roles such as security guards and prison officers, suggesting a high likelihood of work-related stress in these professions.
Education claims the third position on the list, with an average salary range of £28,000 to £40,000. The study found that 2,720 individuals per 100,000 workers in the education sector reported work-related stress, representing an overwhelming figure of nearly 3 in 100.
Insights into Other Stress-Inducing Industries
The professional, scientific, and technical industry, including roles such as solicitors and barristers, secures the fourth position, reporting 2,310 stress illnesses per 100,000 workers. In the finance industry, with a salary range of £28,000 to £54,000 and job roles like accountants and bankers, 2,140 workers per 100,000 reported stress-related illnesses, placing it fifth on the list.
The real estate industry, information and communication sector, and arts and entertainment industry follow suit in the rankings, each revealing distinctive stress levels within their respective workforces.
Tips on Making a Personal Injury Claim for Stress
Amidst the alarming findings, Claims.co.uk provides essential tips for individuals considering a personal injury claim for stress:
- Identify The Cause of Your Stress: Pinpoint the factors causing stress at work, such as heavy workloads or lack of employer support.
- Make a Note of Your Emotions: Keep a daily record of your emotions to track changes in your mental health, aiding in the identification of stress triggers.
- Speak to Your Employer About Concerns: Initiate open communication with your employer to address concerns and explore potential resolutions.
- Keep Track of GP Appointments: Maintain records of GP appointments, as these can be crucial for personal injury claims, often required within three years of the harm occurring.
A spokesperson from Claims.co.uk emphasised the importance of recognising mental well-being in the workplace, stating, “One of the main ways this can be done is to regularly check in with employees, aiming to create an open environment to discuss thoughts and feelings.” They also highlighted the misconception that personal injury claims are limited to physical injuries, emphasising the validity of claims for mental, emotional, or psychological harm. If you’ve experienced stress at work, seeking advice from a legal professional is recommended for the best course of action.
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.
