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February 2023 - Central Government

42% of parliamentary workers face similar levels of psychological stress to NHS workers: A survey of MP's staff has revealed that more than two in five met the clinical definition of experiencing psychological distress, similar to that experienced by NHS workers -- and three times that of the general population. This is according to Dr Ashley Weinberg, a psychologist who analysed the survey findings, which were reported in the Guardian Newspaper. 

The survey, commissioned by the parliamentary Wellness Working Group (WWG), questioned 315 parliamentary workers and is the largest study of its kind to date. 

According to the article, the findings revealed a workforce with many members experiencing challenging workloads, fears for their safety and experiencing the emotional challenges born out of trying to help people in desperate situations through a period of economic instability.

The research found that two-thirds of respondents said their jobs within parliament were 'emotionally draining', and while bullying was found to be at lower levels than in the average UK workplace, more than a third reported seeing 'unreasonable behaviour' either at work, (in person or online). When asked how often this happened, almost 10% of respondents said it was 'always' or 'very frequently'.

Also revealed by the study was that four in 10 MP's staff said they kept the true nature of their work from friends and family, while a significant number raised concerns around safety, with nearly two-thirds saying they have feared for either their own safety, or for someone they work with.

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