Nearly a quarter (24%) of UK van drivers have experienced mental health issues in the past year, primarily due to excessive working hours and poor work-life balance.
This alarming statistic comes from a recent study conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The survey revealed that more than half (51%) of van drivers feel overwhelmed by their workload every month.
A significant number, 60%, have seen their working hours increase, with 40% working 10 hours or more per day.
Shockingly, 1 in 10 van drivers are working 13 hours or more daily.
Van drivers’ mental health
Volkswagen is now urging drivers to prioritise their mental health – it did so during International Stress Awareness Week.
The company emphasises the importance of adhering to legal working hour limits and taking regular breaks to maintain physical and mental well-being.
Eve Tyers, the head of marketing and communications at VW Commercial Vehicles, said: “These findings highlight the urgent need to address the issue of overworked van drivers in the UK.
“We encourage drivers to prioritise their mental health and seek support if needed.”
VW highlights that the legal limit for work for UK van drivers is 48 hours per week on average – unless they sign an agreement to opt out of this restriction.
The van makers says the survey points to many drivers working far more hours than is allowed by the legal weekly limit.
Advice on working hours
This advice from Citizens Advice on working hours is very helpful:
- 48-hour limit: Your employer can’t make you work more than 48 hours a week on average, regardless of your contract
- Opt-out agreements: Your employer might ask you to sign an agreement to work more than 48 hours. However, you can cancel this agreement at any time with at least 7 days’ notice (or a longer period specified in the agreement, up to 3 months)
- Protecting your rights: If you believe you’re working excessive hours or have concerns about your working conditions, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or a union.