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Most Suffolk workers struggling to get enough sleep, survey finds

News

Over 80% of full-time workers in Suffolk aren't getting enough sleep, according to a new survey by local mental health charity Suffolk Mind.

Why it matters: Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can negatively impact employee wellbeing and overall business productivity.

By the numbers:

  • Only 16.9% of 7,317 surveyed workers report getting healthy sleep

  • 42.18% cite work situation as a barrier to sleep

  • 28.19% blame workload

  • 54.1% say overall physical and mental health is the biggest factor

What they're saying: "All of us know the feeling of coming into work after a bad night's sleep," says Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind.

Between the lines: The survey results highlight the need for better mental health support in workplaces across Suffolk.

What's next: Suffolk Mind offers workplace training through its Mental Health Toolkit programme, including a two-day course to help businesses support staff mental health.

The bottom line: While workplace training isn't an overnight solution, according to Hewing, it's "a great first step in relieving the stresses staff may feel." So, come on, Ipswich business leaders. Check out the mental health toolkit programme today and ensure your staff get the sleep they need to perform.

Serial waste offender faces High Court action after decades of illegal dumping

News

A man previously convicted of allowing cocaine production on his land has been ordered to stop illegal waste disposal activities at the same site, following multiple failed prosecutions over 20 years.

Why it matters: The case highlights how persistent offenders can continue environmental crimes despite repeated prosecutions, forcing councils to pursue expensive High Court action, often at the taxpayer's expense.

The big picture: Paul Arthur Fenton, 59, of Hadleigh, has been prosecuted four times since 2001 for illegal waste activities at Flowton Pit. Despite these convictions, the illegal dumping continued, leading Suffolk County Council to seek a High Court injunction.

Illegal waste dumped at the site in Flowton, near Ipswich
Paul Fenton has been ordered to stop illegal waste disposal activities at the site in Flowton, near IpswichSuffolk County Council

Details:

  • The High Court has now ordered Fenton to cease all waste disposal at the Flowton Road site

  • He must remove all waste materials within three months, by 27 November 2024

  • Fenton did not respond to pre-action letters or attend the court hearing

  • The site has previously been linked to criminal activity, with Fenton convicted of allowing it to be used for cocaine production

What they're saying: "We will not stand for the actions of people like Mr Fenton, whose behaviour is wholly selfish with no regard for others," said Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste.

Illegal waste dumped at the site in Flowton, near Ipswich
The High Court has now ordered Fenton to cease all waste disposal at the Flowton Road siteSuffolk County Council

Impact on community:

  • Local businesses affected by unfair competition from illegal disposal

  • Environmental damage, including possible destruction of badger setts

  • Disruption to rural and residential areas

  • Impact on local access routes

The bottom line: Despite two decades of enforcement action, it took a High Court injunction to finally force action at this problematic waste site, highlighting the challenges authorities face in stopping persistent environmental offenders.

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