Staff at the DWP are more likely to go sick because of depression and anxiety than any other health condition, the Independent has revealed. The PCS union say that the figures show the pressures staff are under because they are obliged to spend their time ‘punishing and vilifying sick, disabled and unemployed people.{jcomments on}
DWP staff took 112,000 days off sick because of mental health conditions in the year to 31 January 2016. This is double the number taken off for colds, flu and other diseases of the respiratory system.
Mark Serwotka of the PCS trade union told the Independent:
“This highlights the huge pressures on staff who are forced to carry out the Government's cruel policies that have turned jobcentres from places of help and support into ones of conflict and suspicion.
“DWP staff know that punishing and vilifying sick, disabled and unemployed people is not only morally wrong, it is counterproductive.”
