by: Julian Hall

At Claims Master Group we understand the unhappiness, depression ill health and stress which can be brought on by bad working conditions & unfair working practices. In many cases, there are good grounds for claiming compensation for stress at work

For example:

Unrealistic service levels or deadlines at work causing stress and depression

The rise in sexual discrimination can lead to stress and depression at work

An unclean work environment stress and depression at work

The fear of continual racist abuse causing stress and depression at work

Not allowing necessary breaks from work can often cause stress and depression at work

Employees who become depressed at work through stress, they deserve to claim compensation

What is stress?

HSE defines stress as "the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them". Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us motivated . But excessive pressure can lead to stress which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill.

Why do we need to tackle stress?

· about half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill;

· up to 5 million people in the UK feel "very" or "extremely" stressed by their work; and

· a total of 12.8 million working days were lost to stress, depression and anxiety in 2004/5.

Employers should look at:

· developing appropriate and effective policy

· organising a risk assessment and benchmarking exercise

· developing appropriate training for managers and staff

· developing support structures and services as needed

Bullying at work can be grounds for compensation

There are many more causes of employee stress and depression at work.

However there is some good news. You could be entitled to reasonable compensation if you are suffering stress and depression at work or have been forced to resign from work because of undue stress which has led to depression.