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Workers can sue for stress without formal diagnosis, judge rules

Employees who suffer from work-related stress can sue their employers for disability discrimination, even if they have not been diagnosed with a mental illness, an employment judge has suggested.   The ruling came after an NHS worker, who is in the process of suing her employer for discrimination, was found to be disabled at an…

UK Disability History Month 2023: 5 ways to create an inclusive workplace

Disability History Month is here to tackle discrimination and reduce the stigma that people with disabilities face every day.   By reflecting on the past, and raising awareness of the discrimination that people with long-term impairment face, positive changes can be made. UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is based on a social model and human…

Almost 2 million workers suffered from ‘work-related’ illness this year, figures reveal

Almost two million workers in Great Britain reported suffering from work-related ill health over the past year.   The statistics, revealed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also showed that almost half of the cases were down to stress, depression or anxiety. The figures show that from 2022 to 2023 1.8million workers reported that…

Minimum wage to rise in ‘highest ever’ increase from next year

The government has announced that the national minimum wage will rise next year in its highest-ever increase.   As part of the changes, more people than ever will receive the National Living wage – which is currently only available to those over the age of 23. At present, the National Living wage in the UK…

4-day working week – is it a good idea?

Burnout is becoming a widespread problem across almost every industry – but some organisations are making moves to tackle this.   The theory is that giving workers an extra day off,  could promote wellbeing in the workplace and boost productivity. According to statistics, burnout has become an ‘occupational phenomenon’ with one in five workers in…

8 complaints against Options UK Personal Pensions Ltd upheld in just 1 week

In the space of 1 week, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) upheld 8 complaints against Options UK Personal Pensions Limited.   The complaints It seems that many of the complains result back to the same reason. Customers of Options UK have complained that Options shouldn’t have accepted their applications to transfer there benefit pension into…

Asbestos in schools – fears for 1,000 British schools after increasing number of teacher deaths

A new report has expressed ‘extreme concern’ as up to 1,000 schools could contain asbestos in the UK.   A report, published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has revealed that 700,000 pupils are learning in ‘unsafe’ schools that need major rebuilding or refurbishment.     The report has criticised the school estate, adding that…

What is HAVS? Plus symptoms

What is HAVS?   Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational health issue usually caused by working with vibrating work tools. It can cause symptoms in the hands, fingers and arms, including the loss of feeling, pins and needles or numbness.     Although it is not clear how the vibration causes the condition,…

International Men’s Day 2023 – 5 ways to support men at work

International Men’s Day is here to celebrate men and all they do in society, as well as raise awareness of the issues they face.   We want men to know that it is okay to talk and we are here to listen if they are struggling. Men can often feel the pressure to be ‘tough’…