HC Deb 17 November 2003 vol 413 cc663-4W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [136851]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not currently keep statistics on work-related stress as a sickness absence type. No compensation has been paid to employees because of work-related stress in the last three years. All FCO staff (and dependants overseas) can discuss work-related (and personal) concerns in confidence with a trained welfare officer.

Since March 2002 the FCO has also provided a counselling and advice service to staff in the UK, and for staff and dependants overseas, via an Employee Assistance Programme. Stress, whether or not related to work, is one of the areas covered. The cost is approximately £50,000 pa.

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