Poll for new debate programme shows Welsh workers are worried that money is affecting their mental health
An opinion poll commissioned by BBC Wales’ new debate programme The Hour, shows that 74% of workers in Wales say that worrying about money or work is affecting their mental health.
Published: 30 October 2017
This result shows the impact of the growth in zero hours and short term contracts on Welsh workers alongside a general decline in job security.
The poll will feature as part of the first programme in a brand new debate series, The Hour broadcast tonight at 10.40pm on BBC One Wales.
A cross-section of people from all over Wales took part in the poll and of the workers surveyed, the younger age groups were most likely to agree that worrying about work or money is affecting their mental health. A staggering 80% of 16-34 year olds agreed overall and 78% of 35-74 year olds also agreed overall.
In answer to one of the other questions asked as part of the poll, one in four workers said they didn’t know how much they will be paid next month.
David Blackaby, Professor of Economics at Swansea University, will be in the audience in tonight’s programme.
He says: “This result shows the impact of the growth in zero hours and short term contracts on Welsh workers alongside a general decline in job security.”
Sara Moseley, Director of Mind Cymru, says: “It’s really worrying that nearly three quarters of working people in Wales feel their mental health is impacted by their jobs. In many workplaces, mental health is still a taboo subject and in many instances employers simply don’t understand the crucial role they can play, or know where to go for advice and support.”
These figures, and the rest of the poll results, will be discussed in tonight’s programme, which is coming from Ebbw Vale, where the audience will explore in depth the challenges and opportunities of working in today’s Wales.
- The poll was conducted between 13 and 22 October and it surveyed 1,005 respondents from all over Wales. Only full time and part time workers responded to the questions specified here. Other questions in the poll were answered by all respondents, whether employed or not.
- The survey was geographically spread across north Wales and mid Wales, south west Wales and south East Wales, and included the full range of social groups and ages.
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Pictured above: Catrin Nye, presenter of The Hour
