Capital's workers 'at risk'

Many workers are at risk, the TUC warns

London's workers face the worst health and safety conditions in the country, according to a TUC survey.

The capital's workplaces were top for problems with violence and threats, long hours of work, display screen equipment and asbestos fibre.

Workers in the capital are facing appalling stresses due to long hours and violence

TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber

In addition, London was also the bullying capital of Britain, with rates 40% higher than the UK average.

Just 38% of the capital's employers had carried out a risk assessment considered by union safety representatives to be adequate, compared with the national average of 50%.

Workplace bullying

The TUC surveyed workplace union safety reps from all parts of the UK.

Areas such as the South East reported higher than average levels of stress, while Scottish employees were the most likely to suffer back strains at work.

A majority of London safety reps said that employees found it difficult to cope with stress.

More than one-third said that employees had been the victim of workplace intimidation.

A similar number reported that repetitive strain injuries and long hours were a problem.

"London's employers need to get their act together... workers in the capital are facing appalling stresses due to long hours and violence, yet these are all problems that employers can control," TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber said.