Work-related stress, depression or anxiety is defined as a harmful reaction people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work. Stress is more prevalent in public service industries, such as education, health and social care and public adminis- tration and defence. By occupation, jobs that are common across public service indus- tries (such as healthcare workers, teaching professionals, business, media and public service professionals) show higher levels of stress as compared with all jobs. Source: 'Work related Stress, Anxiety and Depression Statistics in Great Britain 2016', Health and Safety Executive, www.hse.gov.uk.

(a) What do you think are the main reasons for higher levels of stress in public service industries?

(b) To what extent is the potential level of stress likely to affect your choice of career?