WORKPLACE bullying is rife in Wales. Bullying in the UK is endemic and for 28% of Welsh workers it is a weekly or even daily cause of stress. Over 80% of people in Wales have been bullied during their careers and a 33% are so stressed they dream of quitting for a life abroad. Over half say their jobs are getting more stressful and 38% feel work rules their lives. Over a quarter have taken time off sick with stress compared to workers in the South East, with 14%. These are the key findings of Samaritans’ survey for Stress Down Day, taking place on February 1, a national campaign to encourage people to take better care of their health at work and reduce currently damaging stress levels – www.stressdownday.org. Samaritan Joe Ferns said: "Job- related stress has a serious and unrecognised impact on the health of the nation and the economy, affecting concentration and efficiency. "Positive workplaces are a big factor in keeping everyone emotionally healthy. There is not enough openness and that is what Stress Down Day is all about; encouraging employers and employees to speak out and discuss problems before they escalate." Over 45% of Welsh workers have seen colleagues cry over pressure and 38% say employers try to get as much work out of them as they possibly can even when they see they are already very stressed. Samaritans surveyed 2,100 adults in the UK and 500 adults in the Republic of Ireland, through nfpSynergy between the 12th and 30th November 2007. Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. If you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92. Log on to www.samaritans.org for more information. | 
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