And more than a third reported experiencing health and safety problems in the workplace - having to travel home alone late at night because employers did not provide transport was the most common complaint.

BBC: Students' raw deal at work

Finally, what of the argument that the new global economy makes it impossible for governments to mandate social protection, such as minimum-wage laws, rules on working hours, health-and-safety standards in the workplace, and so forth.

ECONOMIST: Bearing the weight of the market | The

Only this week, a major debate began on stress in the workplace, an issue which has divided health and safety experts.

BBC: Stewing in your juices

Miners continued their pressure, leading to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, marshalling public force to protect their health in the private workplace.

CNN: Commentary: Don't cut our (public) health care

The Health and Safety Executive, which is conducting a huge survey into workplace stress to be published in early 2000, says preliminary results show one in five workers say they are "very" or "extremely" stressed at work.

BBC: Stress at work: the pros and cons

"The health and safety of AAM's employees will remain of paramount importance in this difficult time with additional workplace support being given to employees to help them seek alternative employment, " he said.

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