BBC workers signed off with mental health issues trebles in 5 years

THE number of BBC workers taking time off with stress, anxiety or depression has more than trebled in the past five years, according to new figures.

In the last financial year, 474 staff took sick leave for mental health issues, totalling 18,562 sick days. In 2013-14 the number was 125.

Earlier this year, Fergal Keane stood down as Africa editor after announcing that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, the result of spending several decades covering conflict zones around the world.

The BBC spends more than £100,000 per year providing its 22,000 staff with free, independent counsellors who are on call 24 hours a day.

Topics that the corporation’s staff can discuss include bullying, harassment, workplace pressure, work-life balance, and stress as well as immigration, education and relationship issues.

A guide to dealing with stress at the BBC tells staff that “work-related stress is taken seriously and it is not seen as a ‘taboo’ subject”. It recommends that managers be alert to changes in mood or behaviour, such as “deteriorating relationships with colleagues, irritability, indecisiveness, absenteeism and reduced performance”.

Responding to the figures, a BBC spokesman said the rise was due to the destigmatisation of mental health in recent years.

“Mental health issues are becoming much more understood in society and shouldn’t be stigmatised by the media – at the BBC we are keen to do all we can to help and support staff.

“We place a great importance on the mental health and wellbeing of our staff and over the past few years have encouraged more conversations around mental health, and increased the support available.

“We’re committed to having an inclusive and supportive culture, and want staff to feel able to tell us when there is a problem and ask for help.”