HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc247-8W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of work-related stress have been reported in his Department; how much compensation has been paid to employees; how many work days have been lost due to work-related stress, and at what cost; what procedures have been put in place to reduce work-related stress, and at what cost, in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [35935]

Ruth Kelly

The number of cases of work-related stress dealt with by the Department's Welfare service was: 11 in the year from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001; and 34 from 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001. No figures are available for 1999–2000.

No compensation has been paid to employees for work-related stress. The number of working days lost due to work-related stress was: 190 days between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 1999; 230 days between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2000; and 361 days between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2001. The information requested about the cost of the number of working days lost due to work-related stress could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Procedures put in place to reduce work-related stress include: a stress audit and follow-up work (cost £44,240); the provision of a staff welfare and counselling service (cost £31,900 per year); stress management training (cost £3,525) and complementary therapies (cost £2,350).