Research by UK-wide job site CV-Library into 1,200 workers across the UK found 34% of employees in Liverpool regularly suffered with work-related mental health issues. Tony McDonough reports

One-third of workers in Liverpool suffer bouts of depression and anxiety – and say their work is a major contributory factor.

Research by UK-wide job site CV-Library into 1,200 workers across the UK found 34% of employees in Liverpool regularly suffered with work-related mental health issues – slightly below the national figure of 35.2%.

It also found that for 79% of those in Liverpool that suffer, their depression or anxiety can sometimes have a negative effect on their working life, while a further 20.1% said it always negatively impacts their working life. 

When asked what it is about their job that makes them feel this way, workers in Liverpool cited the following as the top causes:

• Doubting their abilities – 42.1%
• Having a boring job – 22%
• Not getting on with their colleagues – 21.1%
• Working with customers/clients – 20.9%
• Working alone – 15.8%

Respondents in Liverpool also revealed the negative impact that depression and anxiety has on their ability to do their job. For the majority (65.9%), it actually makes them dread going in to work.

However, one in five of people taking part in the survey said their employers offered nothing to help them with their mental health and more than 90% believe employers should be trained to help them understand the issue better.

A third of respondents were also in favour of paid time off for people with mental health issues.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “While mental health is something we are beginning to talk more about across the UK, it’s clear that there’s still more that needs to be done to help those affected – especially in the workplace.

“If you are among those affected, it’s time to take action. This might not always be easy, but the first step is certainly the hardest. Speak to your manager, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, try to talk to a trusted colleague.

“You should also seek help outside of work. Mental health problems are unfortunately something we can’t always escape, but there are steps we can take to make tackling these issues that little bit easier – no-one should have to suffer in silence.”