Repetitive strain injury epidemic facing young workers

A new report claims a repetitive strain injury epidemic could devastate Britain's young workforce.

The Trades Union Congress says the looming epidemic could seriously weaken the UK economy and leave millions of youngsters in permanent pain.

It claims workers aged from 16 to 24 are most frequently found in jobs where they are required to perform repetitive tasks at speed and work in awkward positions - a perfect breeding ground for developing RSI.

The TUC says large numbers of casual workers and poor quality workstations are also to blame for the spread of the condition.

According to the TUC, more than 70% of young workers in the UK are engaged in jobs where there's a significant risk of repetitive strain.

Experts are predicting many young people will be unable to use a keyboard and mouse in years to come because of their injuries.

They're calling for greater awareness of RSI, citing the example of Holland, where leaflets warning of the condition are issued along with new PCs.

John Monks, TUC general secretary, says: "These figures show that work can be far more of a pain for younger employees and, far too often, employers are choosing to ignore the warning signs.

"Young workers are often unaware of their rights, are too scared to complain and aren't union members, so they have no union to stand up for them."