Credit Crunch

Credit Crunch is making Brits ill

The ongoing credit crunch and all the associated debt problems are impacting significantly on Brits long-term health, both physical and mental, according to new reports out recently.

A report jointly commissioned by Friends Provident and the Blood Pressure Association has shown that almost two out of three UK adults now suffer from more stress and are less healthy and fit than they were in 2005.

The current pressure on UK consumer’s finances is also affecting our diets and according to the report, 56% of us are opting for cheaper food products and 15% reducing spending on fresh fruit and vegetables.

If they continue, these trends could have serious consequences for the nation’s health long-term, according to the Blood Pressure Association.

“The credit crunch appears to be having serious ramifications. Lifestyle changes - poor diet and lack of exercise in particular - can have a negative effect on blood pressure and consequently long-term health,” warned Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident.

This follows a report from the Prudential which suggests that most of us believe that healthy foods are far more expensive than foods that are a less healthy option. The economic downturn is also causing employees to be more stressed now than at any other time which could damage their mental health, a charity has warned.

The Shaw Trust said that the combined effects of an unstable economy, job cuts and rising fuel prices could lead to a ‘sharp increase’ in the numbers of mental ill health conditions reported amongst UK workforces.

To help businesses combat mental health issues among their employees, the trust has established a website, www.tacklementalhealth.org.uk, which offers guidance including advice on how to discuss these issues with employees and how to create a ‘no-blame’ culture in the work place.

Tim Cooper, the trust’s MD, said that stress is becoming a major problem that’s affecting workers in all sectors.

“Every day we are hearing new reports on the increasing strain employees are being placed under with increasing pressures to meet targets coupled with fears around redundancy at work and having to juggle the increasing cost of living in the home.”