'Lack of Support' Means UK Academics Face Mental Health Problems

UK university work is causing academics to suffer from mental health problems.

According to a poll from the Guardian, which questioned 2,500 academics, heavy workloads and lack of support from employers have contributed to the deterioration of lecturers' mental health.

The research also revealed that academics aged between 55-64 felt most strongly about the connection between mental health illness and lack of support from employers.

The study also found that more than four in ten (44%) of respondents said lack of support was an essential issue.

The findings come amid disputes between the University and College Union (UCU) and UK universities.

A union plan to boycott marking of students' work was called off on 2 May after a vast majority (83.7%) of members voted to accept a 2% pay increase from universities.

"Members have made it overwhelmingly clear that they wish to accept the two percent pay offer and call off the proposed marketing boycott," said Sally Hunt, the general secretary of the UCU.

"My thanks go to UCU members for their support in this dispute."

The move came after students faced disruption in late 2013 and early 2014 when lecturers and university walked out of UK universities in a row over pay and pensions.