THE Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has raised concerns about the “low levels of trust” between workers and employers, as winter’s toll on mental health deepens.

A survey of over a thousand workers by the STUC found that the coronavirus crisis has exacerbated a lack of trust when it comes to disclosing mental health conditions to bosses.

The research shows that 43 per cent of people have been offered no risk-assessment while working at home, with 47 per cent not feeling comfortable disclosing poor mental health to their employer. 

Two thirds of those who have disclosed their mental health issue or illness have been offered no form of reasonable adjustment for their condition, the survey showed. 

Trade union representatives have said the results must serve as a “stark wake-up call to employers.” 

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “As we continue through a difficult winter, many workers will be feeling isolated, stressed and anxious.  

“Many people’s usual coping mechanisms are not available to them, and for many the heightened pressure will spill over into their work lives.”

The STUC has now said it is the responsibility of employers to provide support for staff, and called for more to be done in the coming year. 

Ms Foyer added: “Employers must work to build up trust with staff.  This should include transparent workplace policies regarding mental health, decent sick pay and leave for those who are unable to work as well as a workplace culture free from bullying. 

“Let 2021 be the year that employers start to take mental health seriously and support their workers.”