Can I claim stress at work compensation?

Work related stress can have serious effects on your health and wellbeing. It can lead to feelings of anxiety and fatigue, weight loss, persistent headaches, loss of appetite and sleeplessness; potentially sending you into a downward spiral of depression.

Where workplace stress is adversely affecting your physical and mental wellbeing, you might perhaps see it as a sign of weakness to mention it to your employer in case it impinges on your future prospects in the company.

However, in this day and age you no longer have to accept the old-fashioned advice to 'man up' when you're suffering from the effects of stress.

Instead, you should talk to your employer about it, in order to find ways to manage the effects of stress before they can do irreparable damage to your health and wellbeing. There's a legal requirement for companies to undertake risk assessments to minimise the risk of stress-induced illness or injury to employees.

Responsible employers will therefore help you take steps to ensure that the root causes of your stress are resolved. Where your employer is unwilling to do so, you may be entitled to a stress at work compensation claim.

If this has happened to you, speak to one of our understanding and experienced employment solicitors about making a stress at work compensation claim today. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we'll call you.

What should my employer do if I'm suffering from stress?

If you're suffering from stress at work, and it has started to affect your health and wellbeing, you should talk to your GP and your employer to discuss ways of relieving your stress before it becomes a more serious issue.

Following this, it's possible that your GP will suggest reasonable adjustments to your duties or work patterns that may help you to manage the stress you are suffering. Particularly in cases where you're suffering from depression or another stress-related condition, your condition may amount to a disability and so your employer may have a duty of care to make reasonable adjustments such as:

• Re-allocation of excessive work

• Extra supervision or support

• Reduced working hours

• Confidential counselling

It may also be that the culture and working practices in your workplace are causing you excessive stress, including:

• Bullying and harassment: Many workplaces have a robust and macho culture in which discriminatory remarks, abusive language and even threatening behaviour are the norm

• Improper training: Without adequate training, many workers can feel overwhelmed by the demands of their job, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety

• Denial of rights: Rights to regular breaks, rest periods, adequate time between shifts, days off and paid leave are enshrined in employment law. Where these rights are denied, workers can often feel worn down and stressed

How we can assist with your stress at work claim

If you're suffering from stress at work and you believe that your employer is failing in their duty of care towards you, talk to one of our experienced solicitors today about starting a stress at work compensation claim. Call us on 0330 041 5869or contact us and we'll call you.