FIREFIGHTERS at stations such as Keighley and Silsden could face heightened risk of work-related stress, warns a hard-hitting report.

The document claimed West Yorkshire fire chiefs were failing to deal with work-related stress across the county amid a rapid rise in the number of sick days lost due to mental health issues.

A survey of employees, by university academics, has revealed the number of days lost in West Yorkshire due to mental health problems has almost doubled – to 3,821 – in the space of three years.

There were 94 mental health cases last year, with the average number of working days lost rising to 40 – double the previous year – and costing the service about £800,000 a year.

A report by fire service management has warned: "West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a significant increase in the number of mental ill health cases and associated working days lost to sickness."

The survey concluded the fire service in West Yorkshire had failed to meet any of the seven Health and Safety Executive standards for the management of work-related stress.

Fire Brigades Union representatives said staff were under extra pressure due to cuts, longer hours, recent industrial action and worsening pensions.

Paul Drinkwater, chairman of the FBU in West Yorkshire, said: "There have been massive changes to our working practices and people's pay has been squeezed.”

A West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said the survey results were similar to other fire and rescue services, which had faced the same financial pressures and changes.

She added: "During the past three years, WYFRS has undergone a large reorganisation of fire cover, restructure of back office staff and prolonged strike action.

"It would be remiss of us to ignore the inevitable stress and worry this may cause, which is why we commissioned the survey.”