The impact of the Covid pandemic on stress and mental health

Aslef says the risk of mental health problems were compounded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Workers experienced anxiety and stress surrounding working remotely, irregular income, reduction of hours and of course having to work in unsafe environments without the correct PPE personal protective equipment, and social distancing measures in place. A Public Health England commissioned study found that almost half of adults reported that the pandemic had impacted negatively on their mental health. Published in January 2021, it also showed that 46% had experienced anxiety, 44% stress and 46% low mood.

Unite reported that features such as uncertainty over job security, the isolation of homeworking and greater workload pressures were "likely to remain in place for a long time to come."