A NEW survey by UNISON has revealed 87 per cent of Welsh Ambulance Staff are suffering from stress as a result of long hours, staff shortages and the mental demands of the job.

The survey of 140 Welsh Ambulance staff reveals almost 77 per cent are suffering sleep problems, 70 per cent felt irritable as a result and experienced mood swings and 47 per cent suffered with anxiety.

As a result of work related stress, 47 per cent said they had to take time off sick and a 23 per cent admitted they were very close in doing so.

Over half admitted they did not tell the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) the reason they were off sick was stress. One five per cent said they would talk to a manager or supervisor to cope with street with most turning to family and friends.

A huge 80 per cent admitted they had thought about leaving the job as a result of the pressures.

UNISON is concerned that many of its members believe that WAST is not fulfilling its duty of care as 47 per cent said they were unaware of any steps being taken by WAST to remove or reduce stress.

Sixty five per cent said their employer did not support a good work-life balance and 36 per cent admitted they might need to take time off if the situation doesn’t improve.