Fact and Figures of stress

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 60% of all work absences are caused by stress related illness. Absence from work costs British business £10.2 billion and 200 million days were lost through sickness in 1998, an average of 8.5 days per employee.The CBI Survey says - Absence from work cost British business £10.2 billion in 1998 – an average cost of £426 per worker.

Workplace stress was felt to be the second highest contributor to absence for non manual workers.

Absence levels are lower in organisations where senior managers manage absence and show a commitment to addressing problems.

Dr David Costain, BUPA’s Deputy Group Medical Director, said: “Employers need to have health policies in place to control absence. The first step is to assess the levels of absence and the causes. The health and happiness of an employee is clearly important to an employer and effective absence management practices ultimately benefit both employee and employer. Such policies should also incorporate workplace stress”


The SUNDAY TIMES published an occupational stress register in 1997, which revealed that stress-related problems can reduce business profits by up to 10%.


Work-related Stress Claims through the civil courts are expected to increase.
In 1994 social worker John Walker successfully sued Northumberland Council after suffering two nervous breakdowns. Mr. Walker received £175,000.
In 1998 deputy head teacher Anthony Ratcliffe received £101,028 after two nervous breakdowns.
In July 1999 Beverley Lancaster was awarded £67,000 for stress-related illness.
In February 2000 a Post Office manager was awarded £175,000 in an out-of-court settlement after he became ill through stress.
Also in February 2000 fireman John Richards was awarded £150,000 in an out-of-court settlement after suffering from depression caused by work related stress