We spend more time working than doing anything else. The quality of our relationships at work is one of the most important sources of our wellbeing – as important as our relationships with family and friends. Employment gives meaning and structure to our lives as much as income, which when removed – say, through joblessness – plunges us into depression.

But all is not well in the world of work. People are excessively micromanaged, rarely made to feel appreciated and too often are poorly and unfairly rewarded, with job insecurity rife. Enforcement of labour law in all its dimensions, from unfair dismissal to safety standards, is weak and under-resourced. We may value work but, as wellbeing expert Professor Richard Layard finds, it is remarkably under-loved, only marginally more enjoyed than being ill. Change this and the dark mood that suffuses the country would be lifted, and also help trigger the much needed rise in productivity.

This deep disaffection sits behind both the junior doctors’ and this week’s London underground strike. Plainly, money is the prime driver of each, but scratch the surface and it is widespread dissatisfaction with working conditions that is fuelling the anger. Junior doctor starting salaries of £32,000, translating into hourly wage rates of £15, are too low, given the knowledge and responsibility entailed, especially as comparable salaries in other professions have soared. But the doctors are as concerned about their capacity to deliver patient care, given staffing and investment, at levels they deem necessary. The 95% vote for strike action in December was a stunning........

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