Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Do You Suffer from Stress at Work?

Wednesday, 13 July 2022 12:44

By Amy Shephard X @words_by_amy

In 2020/2021 822,000 workers suffered from work related stress, depression or anxiety according to the Health and Safety Executive.

In 2020/21 the rate of self-reported work related stress was higher than pre-Coronavirus levels. Whilst there are certain industries or vocations which report higher than average rates of stress, depression and anxiety, no particular vocation is considered as being stressful. In 2020/21 stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 50% of all work-related ill health cases. In particular, it was noted that higher rates were reported in health and those in teaching sectors.

The Coronavirus pandemic appears to have made stress worse according to half of those workers interviewed. Whilst there have been new ways of working, such as working from home full time, there have been cases of increased demands which can result in a decrease in levels of control people felt over their workload. This can cause increased stress.

Under UK Health and Safety Regulations employers have a duty to take care of their employees, however it is important to be aware that it is not enough to show that you have developed a psychiatric illness and that it’s connected with work.

It is important that you seek appropriate specialist legal advice in this field as you will need to prove that there was a real risk of developing or suffering from a psychiatric illness and this ought to have been reasonably foreseeable by your employer. It is also important to note that one has to prove that the ill-health has been directly caused by the work and not due to other factors, such as personal life. The employer is expected, by law, to consider the safety and wellbeing of all of its employees and not just the interests of one person over the rest of their colleagues. It will be necessary to obtain a report from a medical expert familiar with such claims.

One final word, generally occupational stress claims are difficult but not impossible to win. It is important that you obtain specialist advice from a specialist solicitor in this field.

If you would like to discuss a potential claim in complete confidence with a solicitor, please contact Parisa Costigan, Senior Solicitor of Glanvilles Damant Limited on 01983 213811 or by email parisa.costigan@gdlegalservices.co.uk

Share

More from Features

Get Social

© Beacon Magazine Isle of Wight and Aiir 2024 | 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XE