News and Knowledge

What should I do if I am experiencing harassment or bullying at work?

If you have suffered a recognised psychiatric injury because of bullying and harassment at work, you could have potential claims in both the Civil Courts and the Employment Tribunal against your employer.   People often experience unpleasant treatment at work at the hands of their managers and fellow colleagues at certain time during their working…

What is Stress and How Can Your Employer Help You?

Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’. Stress is not an illness, but it can affect a person’s physical and mental health.   If stress is not correctly managed, it can cause: ‘burnout’ (physical and…

Guide to Making a Stress at Work Claim

At Oakwood Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming work-related stress can be and the toll it can take on your mental and physical health.   If you’re struggling due to excessive stress at work, you may have the right to pursue a legal claim. Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees’ well-being, and…

Stress At Work: Symptoms of Burnout

In this article we look at what you should look out for if you think you might be suffering from work-related burnout.   We know that employers may put pressure on deadlines to be met, or issue looming targets that need to be achieved.     But reoccurring stress at work can lead to burnout.…

Stress at Work: Rights for retail workers at Christmas

The Christmas rush has begun as people hurry to the shops to pick up the last of their festive food, presents and gift shopping.   But, behind the chaos is an army of retail workers who keep the cog turning. With unsociable hours, busy shop floors and stressed customers, retail workers are arguably the unsung…

Stress at work and fit notes explained

In recent months, we have witnessed a surge in media coverage surrounding the issue of fit notes (more commonly known as sick notes) by GPs for stress-related conditions.   According to data from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the statistics show that 1.8 million workers reported…

Key components for a mentally healthy workplace

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recently wrote about how workplaces can ensure that they have everything in place to properly support employee mental wellbeing.   The CIPD is a professional body for Human Resources, learning and development. Rachel Suff, the lead on Health and Wellbeing in its Public Policy team, broke down…

5 Tips for a stress-free return to work after Christmas

Returning to work after the Christmas break can be daunting, especially if you have spent the week in your pyjamas and eating chocolate for breakfast.   But if you make a plan, and organise for the week ahead, you can get back into the swing of things sooner than you think. After a blissful Christmas…

WhatsApp at work – what are the rules?

As the Christmas break nears, you might be getting ready to turn off your laptop and work phone for a much-deserved rest.   Whether you can’t wait to put your feet up in front of the sofa, or you’re looking forward to partying with friends, work will probably slip to the back of your mind…

Stress at Work: How to switch off at Christmas

As the Christmas period nears, and work winds down you might be gearing up for a couple of weeks of relaxation and celebration.   But, for those in stressful and demanding jobs, breaking up for the holidays might not be so simple. A study has shown that 54 percent of employees feel stressed in the…