§ Dr. CableTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 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. [136844]
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§ Mr. AlexanderThe Cabinet Office does not record reported cases of work-related stress. However, in August 2002 it introduced a mechanism for recording sickness absence caused by work-related stress as distinct from non-work related stress.
Since that date, the number of reported cases where work-related stress has been recorded as the reason for sickness absence has been less than five. To protect the privacy of individuals, more detailed information cannot be provided.
No compensatory payments have been claimed or made.
The Cabinet Office is aware of its legal responsibilities to reduce stress at work. It provides in-house guidance and training to its managers and individuals, has an in-house counselling service that can be accessed by all and has procedures in place for dealing with complaints, harassment and bullying. It also encourages, where possible, flexible working arrangements that allow for both work and home commitments to be accommodated.
Information on the individual costs of these initiatives could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.