§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many cases of work-related stress have been reported in his Department in each of the last three years; 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; and if he will make a statement. [136842]
§ Yvette CooperThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was established following machinery of government changes in May 2002.
539WFor the period 2002–03, there have been eight cases of alleged work-related stress in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, amounting to 126 days absence. There have been no compensation claims for work-related stress.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a Stress at Work policy in place, which is supported by practical guidance issued to staff on dealing with the issue. In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has access to a counselling and support facility. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to meeting the targets for reducing the number of days lost due to work-related injuries and ill health arising from the Government's Revitalising Health and Safety initiative. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has been in recent discussions with the Health and Safety Executive about the development of a new proactive stress prevention programme.