The UK National Work-Stress Network Annual Conference 2021 –‘Mental Health Debrief’ –‘Free’ Online Conference – Saturday 27 November 2021 – Theme: “What’s Stress Got To Do With It?”:
The UK Work Stress Network has announced that their Annual Conference 2021 will again be an online, one-day event this year. The organisation has decided to host the Conference online again until they feel it is safe to hold conferences again in-person. Future in-person conference plans are being worked on, but for now the UK Stress Network are pleased to be holding another Conference online.
This Conference will consist of workshops, questions, and sharing good practice on dealing with stress in the workplace and the effects it has on everyday life.
In line with CWU Conference Policy, the CWU is proud to announce its continued support and sponsorship of the UK Work Stress Network Conference and the latest edition of the organisation’s excellent ‘Work Stress Handbook’ published last year.
The UK National Work Stress Network is a Trade Unionist led organisation which is committed to the eradication of the causes of work-related stress and associated illnesses. It campaigns to advance this aim through its involvement with the Hazards Campaign and in conjunction with the TUC, European organisations and within UK Trade Union structures.
The Network calls for:
- Employers, Company Directors and Managers at all levels to acknowledge their duty of care and for their acceptance of their health and safety responsibilities to the workforce;
- Legislation and enforcement procedures to outlaw all forms of workplace stress, bullying and victimisation; also to ensure full corporate liability for workplace injury; and,
- The creation of a caring, supportive workplace culture with ‘Dignity at Work’ for all and for worker sensitive procedures for all.
The Network consists of many hundreds of like-minded people, some of whom have suffered the consequences of work-related stress. Amongst them are experienced caseworkers, counsellors, occupational health workers, Trades Union lay and paid officers and those who are just determined to see effective management which recognises the needs of the workforce as well as of business.
The Conference will examine working lives becoming much more complex and stressful. Working life is becoming more complex from all angles. Post ‘BREXIT’ and the pandemic has left the UK facing an uncertain future for the country, employment and business. Employment and other laws originating from the EU, once transferred into UK law, will almost certainly face dilution or even removal under another Conservative Government. Health and Safety laws are still in place but many employers disregard or are ignorant of the HSE Stress Management Standards.
The former Prime Minister has flagged up a greater need for better care and support particularly for mental health. The Government commissioned ‘Stevenson-Farmer’ independent review into workplace mental health concluded that the UK faces a significant mental health challenge at work and that both employers and Government must prioritise and invest far more in improving mental health. At the same time the NHS is struggling to keep up, and no extra money seems to be forthcoming. Pressures on public services continue to remain high under the enduring austerity regime. Workers face increasing demands on their time and skills.
There is relentless change at work, which in itself is intensely mentally fatiguing and stressful.
Recent research has shown that those with disabilities suffer disadvantage at a range of levels – all of which increase stress levels.
Young workers are dealing with the brave new world of zero hours contracts, and coping with the demands of more than one employer. Middle aged workers are coping with the pressures of being both a worker and a parent to children (younger and older) at home. Carers are caring for elderly parents under growing pressure. Older workers are having to work much longer than they had ever anticipated. Working life is becoming more complex from both ends of the age spectrum.
- Young workers
- Older aging workers
- Zero Hours Contracts
- Doing two jobs
- Working and parenting
- Working and being a carer
- Long hours of work
- Manual work demands
Whichever applies, the world of work has never been more stressful.
A greater recognition of mental health issues is very welcome and brings increased responsibilities for employers. It also brings more challenges for our work as health and safety stewards.
The Conference will focus on tools and strategies needed by Trade Unionists to support their members, protect themselves and get employers engaged in tackling work stress to make our work places a safer place for all.
Full details of the Conference sessions will be announced shortly.
The aim is to provide information, exchange of good practice, networking opportunities and helpful interaction to send delegates back to their workplaces with the tools needed to make the workplace safer for all.
There’s lots of information for all Conference delegates.
UK National Work-Stress Network 2021 online Conference is a ‘Free’ to attend event.
Further information email:- ukstresscoordinator@gmail.com
Website:http://www.workstress.net/
This Conference is aimed at Health and Safety Representatives, Trades Union Officials and Shop Stewards, Human Resources and Health and Safety Specialists and Stress Management Consultants.
This is a very popular annual event – book early to secure a place.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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