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date: 3 June 2008

embargo: for immediate release

TUC response to CIPD research into workplace stress

Commenting on guidelines published today (Tuesday) by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and Investors in People (IIP) on how managers can prevent and reduce stress in the workplace, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'While this research is interesting and useful, the sad fact is that more and more people are having their health damaged by stress in the workplace. The only way the tide will be turned is if the HSE and local authority regulators start taking the issue seriously and prosecute the worst offenders.

'Excessive workplace stress is easily preventable if employers follow the HSE's management standards, and the key to changing behaviour is a strong regulatory framework supported by support, education and enforcement.

'Until we treat stress the same way we treat other workplace hazards and prosecute the worst employers it will continue to be the biggest cause of work-related injury.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- HSE statistics show an estimated 530,000 people reported that they were suffering from stress, depression or anxiety as a result of their work in 2006/07. This was the highest single cause of workplace ill-health.

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Press release (300 words) issued 4 Jun 2008