The number of Ministry of Social Development staff seeking counselling for work-related problems has hit unprecedented levels, with the number of Child Youth and Family staff receiving help up almost 130 per cent over four years, says Labour's Social Development Spokesperson Jacinda Ardern.

'But it's not only CYF staff seeking help. Counselling for work-related stress issues across all of MSD, including Work and Income, has soared.

'Information from MSD shows the number of departmental staff who have been provided with work-related counselling has gone from 227 in June 2007 to 460 for the year to June 2011, an increase of 102.6 per cent.

'The increase coincides with a drop in staff numbers, more complex cases, and a Minister determined to achieve more with less.

'Put those factors together and you get heavier workloads and burnt-out, stressed workers.

'When staff are overworked, their ability to protect and assist the most vulnerable – the people they are tasked with helping - is compromised.

'Social workers have already voiced their concerns about the extra pressure they are being put under, while a recently released report on CYF processes warned case load issues were impacting on follow-ups for children in care.

'While the Public Service Association has finally managed to encourage MSD to look at the workloads of social workers, MSD has so far refused to set reasonable caseload standards, or given a commitment to address any shortfalls.

'These people work with some of our most vulnerable people- including children. They deserve our support, and that means making sure they are properly resourced.

'It's time the Minister took note of the warning signs before we see another tragic mistake.”

Source: Office of Jacinda Ardern.