HC Deb 27 February 2002 vol 380 cc1404-5W
Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the(a) number and (b) value of contracts awarded by his Department to (i) Arthur Andersen, (ii) Deloitte Touche, (ii) Ernst and Young, (iv) KPMG and (v) PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants in each year since 1997. [34988]

Ms Blears

The Department does not centrally hold a record of individual contracts. However our financial records show the following total payments made by the Department (excluding its agencies) to (i) Arthur Andersen, (ii) Deloitte Touche, (iii) Ernst and Young, (iv) KPMG and (v) PricewaterhouseCoopers by fiscal year since April 1997:

Ms Blears

The Department does not hold any data specifically on the number of reported cases of work related stress. While the Department collects data on sickness absence, which includes stress, it is not possible to identify if the cause of the 'stress related illness' was work related. It is not possible, therefore, to identify costs.

The Department's settlement/compensation payments are made to address a number of circumstances, of which work-related stress is only one element. Central records giving compensation payments on the grounds of work-related stress are not recorded separately.

The Department has a number of procedures in place to help managers and staff to be aware of and to reduce work-related stress. The Department has:

  • issued guidance for managers and staff in line with health and safety legislation on 'Working Time Regulations'.
  • Has a mental health policy that recognises that stress at work is a significant contributor to mental health problems.
  • Issued guidance to managers and staff on the causes of stress and how to reduce this.
  • Provides staff with a free confidential counselling service, "Care First", and
  • encourages its staff to attend relevant training or discuss any concerns with their line managers.

These are established procedures and there is no on-going cost to the Department, with the exception of the "Care First" providers, which are contracted by the Department at an annual cost of £77,000.

As part of the 'revitalising health & safety' initiative aspects of the above will be reviewed in relation to stress in the workplace.