Stress

Teaching is the most stressful profession in the UK?

By editor ⋅ April 18, 2009 ⋅  Printable version ⋅

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has voted at their recent conference to launch a campaign to protect teacher’s rights and reduce their workload. One of the primary reasons for pursuing this, according to the NUT, is that recent surveys have shown the teaching is the most stressful profession in the UK.

The NUT set up a working group in 2006 to investigate issues of stress, anxiety, depression and burn-out in teachers, and their findings were presented to conference last week. This included one study by the HSE which concluded that 41.5% of teachers classified themselves as highly stressed.

There are various stress inputs into a teacher’s workload, and the NUT are seeking to minimise the effect of these with decreased working hourse negotiated through a national (England and Wales) employment contract.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, recent figures show teachers are taking up to six times the national UK average in sick leave due to psychological ill-health. Figures were obtained from all but one of the twenty three local authorities who supplied sickness statistics and absence rates. Teacher Support Scotland, a support network, has also reported that as many as 3 out of every 4 teachers felt their work was having an adverse effect on their health, both physical and mental, with stress, exhaustion, and disturbed sleep patterns being the most common symptoms. Teachers Support Scotland have been operating a 24hour helpline to assist teachers to cope and to identify any further needs they may have.

Whilst the absolute “most stressful” accolade is not one that can be attributed with any degree of confidence, there is no doubt that teaching is one of the most stressful occupations. This is not limited to a particular sector, i.e. primary or secondary, as the figures are consistent irrespective of stage being taught. In addition, further education professionals have similar figures to secondary school staff.

Compass Scotland have been working in schools in Scotland over the past four years, and we have seen first hand the causes, symptoms and effects of stress and anxiety in teaching professionals. There is no easy solution to these problems, as the stressors have several vectors, from the institutional to the personal. We have achieved success in lowering staff stress levels, but only as part of a combined approach to culture, ethos and personal responsibility.

Teaching is a difficult occupation, and teachers deserve our respect, however, they also deserve adequate support and an environment which does not impact upon their mental health.

Tags: education, Stress, teachers