OLDER teachers are more vulnerable to psychological illnesses such as anxiety and depression, which often force them to take early retirement. This could be pushing up absence rates as the teaching force gets older.

Problems are particularly acute for men over the age of 45, who are more likely than women to fall victim to stress-related sickness.

Cambridge University researchers have found that the over 45s are statistically more likely to suffer from these career-threatening forms of psychological distress. This is often blamed on workload but in about 60 per cent of cases it is linked to other factors such as marital breakdown or increasing domestic demands and escalating financial commitments.

In the 266 primary and secondary schools targeted in the study, there were 425 cases of long-term absence (20 days or more) during a 12-month period. Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, accounted for nearly 60 per cent of long-term absences by men and just over 40 per cent by women.

Researchers discovered a steep rise for the over-45s in episodes of stress-related sickness. For men, 71 per cent of long-term absences, were caused by stress, compared to 58 per cent in women.

A previous study for the Department for Education and Skills by the same research team found that almost half (48 per cent) of 369 former teachers given ill-health retirement were suffering from prolonged mental health problems such as clinical depression and anxiety. Government figures show that average teacher absences because of sickness have been rising, up 7.6 per cent in 2000 and a further 3.9 per cent in 2001.

Dr Tony Bowers, from Cambridge University, pointed out that there are an increasing number of male teachers over the age of 45 in the UK. By 2000, at least 50 per cent of male teachers were aged 45 or over. Women aged over 45 accounted for 44 per cent of all female teachers two years ago.

And, said Dr Bowers: “Our research shows a higher proportion of men than women whose illnesses relate to one of the forms of psychological distress. If we combine this with heart and circulatory problems, almost two-thirds of the men’s absences appear to be stress-linked.”

Around a quarter of the 1,400 calls a month received by the Teacher Support Network are from teachers suffering from anxiety and depression.

Patrick Nash, its chief executive, said: “Stress is a key factor in teachers leaving the profession, and has serious implications beyond the effect it has on individuals. A vast sum of money is spent each year providing supply teachers to cover stress-related sickness absence.”

“Education is a caring profession, where all the individuals involved, from headteachers, to support staff, give wholeheartedly of their time and resources,” he said. “Unless they have time to replenish their creativity and energy, some teachers could face burn out.”

“The key to keeping stress at bay lies in regaining control and recognising our choices; calling a halt to extra commitments can help re-balance a teacher’s workload.” The Government has set a target to reduce sickness absence as a whole in the UK by 20 per cent by 2010

Briefing, 26-27

Teacher Support Network, www.teacherline.org.uk. Tel: 0800 0562561