Workaholics 'put health at risk'

Friday June 11th 2010

A quarter of people in the UK are exposing themselves to "serious health risks" by overworking, a study has found.

Research carried out by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has found that while financial products such as mortgage payment protection insurance could protect assets in the event of prolonged sickness, the long-term implications for health are even more severe, with many stressed out workers facing an increased risk of obesity, cancer, depression, heart disease and back pain.

A survey of more than 2,600 adults found that a quarter of workers do not even take a break for lunch because of their workload or because they are understaffed.

The findings have sparked calls for employers to do more to protect the health of employees.

Phil Gray, the society's chief executive, said: "With advice and support from physiotherapists and other occupational health experts, employers can create healthier work environments and benefit not only society but also their profit margin."

The study also found that employees feel under pressure to go to work even if they are under stress or ill, with more than half of those surveyed saying that had struggled to make it into work despite not being fit to do so.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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