Work-related stress, depression and anxiety have accounted for the most common category of work related sickness.
This is reported in the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Report[1]. Social work and education industries have some of the highest work-related stress cases. A total of 914,000 new or long-standing cases were reported last year with 372,000 being new cases.
The report finds that COVID-19 has contributed to the increase in work-related mental health concerns as records note that in 2018/2019 the rates were much lower. However, it cannot be assumed that the increase is solely due to COVID.
There has been a substantial increase in people now struggling with work-related stress. A total of 1.8 million workers are now suffering from a new or long-standing work-related illness in 2021/2022. An estimated 30.8 million working days were lost due to work-related illness of which 17 million days have been lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2021/2022.
The HSE also reports that the main factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety were workload pressures, including tight deadlines and too much responsibility and lack of managerial support, along with violence and workplace bullying.
Whilst the most important thing before any financial claim is to prioritise your own health. If you are concerned about how you are coping with stress at work, we would encourage you to speak to your GP. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding mental ill-health.
Before an issue escalates at work, try to talk to someone you can confide in who may be able to help. It is not an employer’s job to diagnose or treat stress, but they will be able to direct you to internal support programs available or advise how they can help.
If you have been battling these issues quietly, explain the problems you are facing at work in a calm and professional manner to your employers.
If you later consider making a claim, having a record of work issues raised can be useful. If you feel as though you have tried to bring your issues to your employer’s attention and are still suffering from stress at work, we would be happy to discuss the matter further with you.
Please get in touch for a free and confidential assessment if you feel as though you would benefit from some legal support.
Source:
[1] Source – HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
Further reading:
Stress at work claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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Work-related stress, depression and anxiety have accounted for the most common category of work related sickness. This is reported in the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Report[1]. Social work and education industries have some of the highest work-related stress cases. A total of 914,000 new or long-standing cases were reported last year with 372,000…
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