Overview

With the downturn in the market often comes extra pressure on employees either in the workplace
or as a result of additional burdens or worries in their home life. This briefing note looks at the
reasons employees are absent with work related stress and what duties employers owe their employees; and gives guidance on how to obtain a medical report on an employee.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees. The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 also require employers to make an assessment of workplace health and safety risks, specifically including an assessment for stress, and to take appropriate action. Together with these statutory duties, employers are under a common law duty to take reasonable care of the health and safety of employees in the workplace.

For more information: click View Briefing