‘God squad’ in demand since share market crash

Press, 24 February 1988, Page 42

‘God squad’ in demand since share market crash

The “God squad” is. finding business brisk in the wake of the October share market crash.

Officially known as Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission, the squad — more than 100 full-time clergy of all denominations throughout Australia — has been counselling executives and blue collar workers who fear the market slump will cost them their jobs.

There are also those who have been pushed to breaking point by the added pressure to cut costs, and to perform at almost super-human levels. The mission has branches throughout New Zealand and Australia. According to the mission’s Queensland state director, the Rev. Neville Ross, the real effects of the crash will take a “fair while to reach the shop floor” but middle management is starting to feel the pinch.

“There are fears of take-overs, loss of profit,

changes of management and work practices — all these are causing stress,” Mr Ross said. “There are a few that seem to have faltered under the pressure.” Many corporate clients have been receiving regular counselling visits for the last 20 years, Mr Ross said.

The clergy also visit local and state government departments.

“We run the whole gamut of human situations during our counselling — work problems, family problems and work problems that affect family life. “It is just not the effects of the share market crash,” he said. “The advantage that companies see in the programme is that prevention is better than the cure.

"If people wait until they get into such a state that they need urgent professional help, it affects their work and home life.’! Mr Ross said the ser-

vice was generally accepted by workers at all levels. “Our greatest strength is our independence. We are not seen as being part of management or even the union — we are someone the workers can turn to, even if it is just to have a chat.” Mr Ross said the most common problem confronted by the mission was stress. “People are under a great deal of pressure — new technology makes extreme demands on people,” he said. “Middle management is the most affected by this.” Some employees also suffered pressure from illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer. “People suffering these illnesses appear to be younger these days. “Very few of our chaplains don’t have at any one time someone who is either terminally ill or who knows someone who is terminally ill. That is very Stressful.” ' C