NEW research has revealed that 53% of employees in Yorkshire feel more stressed than they were 18 months ago – as the economic climate causes greater workloads and increased pressure in the workplace.

The research – conducted by cash plan provider Sovereign Health Care to coincide with National Stress Awareness Day – also revealed that only 27% of the region’s employers recognise that their employees are suffering from stress and put measures in place to support them.

Russ Piper, chief executive at Sovereign Health Care, said: “Stress continues to be the main cause of absence in the workplace.

“So, it’s important to try and minimise the impact of stress and mitigate against it where possible.”

Mr Piper said: “Stress in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it can often drive us to achieve.

“But it’s how we deal with it that’s important.

“Firms need to have the appropriate support in place and staff need to be aware of their stress levels more – especially if they are reaching the point where their health is starting to suffer.”