Figures obtained from a Freedom of Information request have revealed that more than 8,000 working days have been lost in North Wales Police in the last two years due to stress related illnesses.
Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar has expressed his concern at the figures which show that of a total of 264 workers, 159 officers and 105 staff, 8,128 days were taken as sick days due to anxiety, depression, drug or alcohol problems or mental health disorders over a 24 month period.
5,269 days have been taken by officers and 2,859 by staff.
Darren said:
“These are extremely worrying figures and clearly demonstrate the pressures faced by our police officers and force staff here in North Wales,
“The role of a police officer is particularly demanding and it therefore crucial that the right measures are in place to fully support them.
“The Force is currently developing a programme to support the mental health wellbeing of its staff and I very much welcome this, but hope that more is done to reduce these shockingly high figures in the future. Stress in any workplace is unhealthy and harmful and is a problem for the employee and employer and both should work together to address the contributory issues.”