Work can be demanding, particularly during periods of change, staff shortages or increased pressure. While many people experience stress at work from time to time, problems can arise where stress becomes excessive and begins to affect a person's health and wellbeing.

Employers are expected to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their employees. This includes considering risks to mental health, as well as physical safety.

Where workplace stress causes illness and an employer has failed to take appropriate steps to address foreseeable risks, it may be possible to bring a claim.

What is work-related stress?

Work-related stress occurs when the demands placed on an employee exceed their ability to cope.

Stress itself is not an injury, but prolonged or excessive workplace stress can contribute to physical and psychological health conditions.

This may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Panic attacks
• Stress-related physical symptoms
• Other recognised psychological conditions

Every situation is different, and the circumstances of each case will need to be considered individually.

What can cause stress at work?

Workplace stress can arise for many reasons.

Common contributing factors include:

• Excessive workloads or unrealistic deadlines
• Long working hours without adequate support
• Persistent workplace bullying or harassment
• Lack of management support
• Poor communication or organisational change
• High-pressure working environments
• Failure to address concerns raised by employees

In many cases, stress develops gradually over time rather than following a single event.

Employers' responsibilities

Employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of employees.

This may include:

• Carrying out appropriate risk assessments
• Monitoring workloads and staffing levels
• Providing support where concerns are identified
• Investigating complaints of bullying or harassment
• Taking reasonable steps to reduce foreseeable risks

An employer is not automatically responsible whenever an employee experiences stress. However, where risks are known, or should reasonably have been identified, steps may be required to address them.

When might a stress at work claim be possible?

A workplace stress claim may be possible where:

• An employer knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that a person was suffering from harmful levels of workplace stress
• Reasonable steps were not taken to reduce or manage those risks
• The stress resulted in a recognised illness or injury

These claims can be complex and often depend on the specific facts of the case.

The impact of workplace stress

Excessive workplace stress can affect many areas of a person's life.

This may include:

• Difficulties carrying out day-to-day activities
• Absence from work
• Financial difficulties caused by loss of income
• Strain on personal relationships
• Ongoing medical treatment or support

In some cases, recovery may take considerable time.

Claiming compensation for workplace stress

If workplace stress has caused illness and there has been a failure to address foreseeable risks, compensation may be available.

A claim may take account of:

• The nature and severity of the illness
• Loss of earnings
• The effect on daily life
• Medical treatment and support needs

Each claim is assessed on its own facts and evidence.

How our workplace injury solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team can assist by:

• Reviewing the circumstances that led to the illness
• Considering whether risks were foreseeable
• Assessing whether appropriate steps were taken by the employer
• Reviewing medical evidence
• Explaining funding options, including no win no fee arrangements and Legal Expenses Insurance, where available

Workplace stress claims often involve detailed evidence regarding working conditions and the impact on health.

What happens first?

The first step is a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

We will listen to what has happened, explain whether a claim may be possible and discuss the options available.

There is no pressure to move forward, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for stress at work claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits. In most cases, a claim must be started within three years of the injury or from the date it became apparent that the illness was connected to work.

Because workplace stress often develops over time, early consideration can help establish how these time limits apply.

Stress at work claims – frequently asked questions

Can I claim compensation for stress at work?

A claim may be possible where workplace stress has resulted in a recognised illness and an employer failed to take reasonable steps to address foreseeable risks.

Is stress itself enough to bring a claim?

Stress claims generally require evidence that workplace stress has caused or contributed to a recognised medical condition.

Can workplace bullying lead to a stress claim?

Bullying or harassment may be relevant where it has contributed to illness and concerns have not been addressed appropriately.

What if I raised concerns at work but nothing changed?

This may be relevant when considering what the employer knew and what steps were taken in response.

Speak to us about a stress at work claim

If you believe your health has been affected by excessive workplace stress, we understand how difficult this situation can be.

An initial conversation can help you understand your position and what options may be available, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team to discuss a stress at work claim in confidence.

Contact our Personal Injury team at Clarkson Wright & Jakes on 01689 887887 or at cwj@cwj.co.uk to discuss a defective work equipment claim. 

Alternatively, you can complete our Personal Injury Calculator here.