John Hannett, general ­secretary, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, writes:

A survey conducted by Usdaw, the UK’s fourth-largest union, has discovered that one in four workers have had time off because of mental health issues. ‘Is worry tying you up in knots?’ is the name given to the recent survey, which looked at pressures and concerns that members have about work and home and trying to balance them both.

Nearly one in four people said they have needed to take time off work due to worry, depression or anxiety. Perhaps more shocking is that more than half of those said they did not feel able to be honest about the reason for taking time off work.

People all over the country are facing uncertainty over ­rising fuel and food bills as well as cuts to tax credits and other benefits. Many people in the south west rely on jobs in either the tourism or retail sectors, so it comes as no surprise that individuals, couples and families are really struggling with the latest round of government cuts.

Add to that the announcement of more cuts to policing and we find some very valid reasons for worry and concern.

Constantly wondering what cuts will be made next is a major concern for all of us. Individuals are no better off, as benefit caps and tax credit cuts affect them too. The south west has a lower proportion of social housing properties to private properties, with private landlords asking for higher rent than benefit caps will cover, if they will even accept tenants who are claiming housing ­benefit.

In 2015 people should feel comfortable talking to their employers about why they have had to take time off work. During these tough times, ­talking openly with employers could prevent worry and ­anxiety causing long-term ­mental health conditions. When a person feels unable to talk about what is causing them to worry, it becomes much harder to address and resolve these issues.

There is clearly still a strong stigma around mental health and, as a trade union, Usdaw is committed to tackling that.

Usdaw would like to work with employers to develop ­policies and procedures that will support staff who might be worried about their mental health. By working together, we can make a real difference.

South Devon TUC equality officer Gerrie Messer is only too familiar with this problem, ­saying: ‘On a daily basis people are struggling with daily life and everyday worries. Other than advising colleagues to be honest with employers and signposting them to services that can offer valuable help, there is nothing more I can do.

‘Until the Government changes its stance on hitting the poorest groups of people with its cuts, we must all work together to ensure people are getting all of the help they are entitled to and support our ­colleagues and friends.

‘I urge all those who can to join a trade union. Remember, union members have a louder voice.’