A survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 24% of UK van drivers have faced depression or mental health issues caused by work in the past year.
A poor work-life balance and working too many hours were cited as causes of this by 32% and 38% of those surveyed respectively.
VW said 51% of the drivers it surveyed reported feeling overwhelmed by work every month, and 60% had seen their working hours increase, with as many as 40% working 10 hours or more per day.
One in 10 respondents admitted working 13 hours or more per day – almost double the number doing this a year earlier.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles head of marketing and communications Eve Tyers said: “These findings clearly show the alarming number of van drivers in the UK that are feeling overworked and overwhelmed, as well as the impact this is having on their mental health.
“We’re therefore encouraging van drivers to prioritise their wellbeing, making sure to take the breaks they need to remain in good physical and mental shape day-to-day.”
