Teachers, police officers and social workers are among the six most stressful jobs in the UK, according to fresh research. Paramedics, call centre staff and prison officers complete the premier league of pressure, while the least stressed occupations are private sector executives, analysts, and school lunchtime supervisors.

The Health and Safety Executive defines stress as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure'. It can affect anyone. According to the HSE, the conditions which may lead to stress include:

• too much – or too little – to do
• boring or repetitive work
• role confusion
• lack of control
• lack of communication and consultation
• blame culture
• lack of support for individuals to develop their skills
• inflexible work schedules
• poor working relationships with others
• bullying, racial or sexual harassment
• physical danger (such as risk of violence) and poor working conditions (such as noise).