§ Dr. CableTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [136843]
§ Ruth KellyThe number of cases of work-related stress is not held by the Chancellor's Departments, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
The amount of compensation paid due to work-related stress in each of the last three years is however held, and is as follows:
£s 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 Inland Revenue 6,531 82,836 51,000 Customs and Excise 1,500 Nil 60,000 Treasury Nil Nil Nil The Chancellor's Departments have taken a range of preventative and protective measures against work-related stress, including addressing long working hours, adopting flexible and family friendly policies, (such as job sharing and home-working), and phased return to work to aid the rehabilitation of staff returning from long-term sick leave. Each Department has an in house Staff Welfare Service which operates independently of the management chain.
The Chancellor's Departments are mindful of the obligations under Health and Safety at Work legislation to ensure that staff are not exposed to unacceptable risks in the workplace. Also, the Chancellor's Departments remain committed to reducing the number of working days lost generally to work-related injuries and illnesses in support of the Government's Revitalising Health and Safety initiative and its long-term occupational health strategy Securing Health Together.