NEARLY a third of teachers n the Yorkshire and Humberside region have turned to medication in the last 12 months to deal with the physical and mental toll their job is taking on them, according to a survey by teaching union NASUWT.

Almost half have seen a doctor or medical professional, while 16 per cent say they have undergone counselling.

These findings come as 77 per cent of teachers report they have experienced an increase in workplace stress over the past 12 months, with 85 per cent saying their job has impacted negatively on their health and wellbeing.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “These figures are an appalling catalogue of dedicated and committed teachers suffering damage to their physical and mental health. It is clear that too many employers are failing to exercise their duty of care for the health and welfare of their employees and are presiding over mental and physical burnout.”

He added the time has come to end a culture of “anything goes” style of management.