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Statement on Society of Occupational Medicine research: Scottish secondary school teachers suffer more stress

10 September 2009

Voice: the union for education professionals, which represents teachers and education support staff across Scotland and the UK, has commented on new research, to be released today (10 September 2009) at the annual Scottish meeting of the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), which found that secondary school teachers in Scotland are suffering from significantly higher rates of stress and psychological illness than others of working age in Scotland, and that male teachers are particularly affected, with 28% suffering from psychological distress - a rate twice that of the general Scottish working age male population.

Maureen Laing, Voice’s Senior Professional Officer for Scotland, said: "I taught in secondary schools for over 30 years and can certainly identify with the findings of this research. It is no surprise to hear the results, but it is very alarming to read about why secondary teachers, in particular men, are suffering from psychological distress.

"In many schools there is certainly not an openness in discussing psychological problems whereas physical ailments are recognised and accepted more readily. There needs to be encouragement for teachers to discuss how they feel and to seek help, and for help to be available.

"Above all, management should be alert to psychological distress and offer support. Good managers certainly do this, but the hectic, pressurised environment in schools often means that people fail to recognise the symptoms.

"Teacher Support Scotland can undoubtedly provide help and support for those teachers who recognise the symptoms and seek help, but what of those who do not? We must not abandon them. Schools must be more responsive to their needs and treat psychological problems in a similar way to physical illnesses.

"SOM President Dr Tony Stevens hit the nail on the head with his comment about the stigma associated with psychological health conditions. Local authorities should be much more willing to refer staff to occupational health when symptoms appear and be prepared to offer support and adjustments to ensure that teachers can return to work and not be seen as not being able to cope.

"Staff are not the problem - it is the systems and expectations that cause the problems."




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Voice: the union for education professionals

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