SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 07/11/05
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Rosie Kane today called for a change in working practises to tackle the 'stress epidemic' and end the stigma of mental ill health, as research by the 'See Me' campaign revealed that mental illness was the most common reason for taking time off work.
Rosie said:
"People living with mental illness are more likely to be unemployed and, when they do have jobs, have to hide their illness from their employer. Despite the work of the 'See Me' campaign, Scottish employers are still in the dark ages when it comes to mental health at work.
"Scotland is seeing a stress epidemic brought on by working among the longest hours in Europe, with no time left to develop hobbies or spend time with friends and family.
"Employers are determined to squeeze every last drop out of their workforce, with the resulting toll on their workers' mental health.
"We welcome campaigns like 'See Me' to end the isolation and lack of understanding surrounding mental illness, but we also need practical measures like a shorter working week and £8 an hour minimum wage to tackle the problem head on."
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