NEWS - CAMPAIGN : UK Employers must be able to manage stress in the workplace

In the UK they are taking Workplace Stress seriously.

Agency worker safety campaign launched

On 9th February the £1 million government campaign'KNOW YOUR RIGHTS' was launched to help employers know what their responsibilities involve regarding the health and safety of agency workers.

The scheme has also been launched to help employees hired through an agency know what they are entitled to and what rights they have in the workplace, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) reported.

A poster campaign will feature in public places, online and in local press, encouraging workers to be aware of their rights.

Over 13,000 employment agencies will be written to by Pat McFadden, business minister, to outline how they can make sure that their practices adhere to legislation.

Simon Garbett, chairman of the Employment Agents Movement, commented: "Enforcing minimum standards such as health and safety, minimum wages, holiday pay and ensuring workers pay is not reduced by illegal or unfair deductions is entirely appropriate."

In addition, Brendan Barber, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said agency employees are among the most vulnerable workers in the UK and said the campaign is "welcome" to help them, which may interest companies considering risk assessment training.

WHAT ONE HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANCY AGENCY IS SAYING ABOUT THIS:
NUR IS OFFERING A RANGE OF COURSES FOR EMPLOYERS

Norwich Union Risk Services is urging employers to be more vigilant of the signs of stress in the workplace and have procedures to manage it effectively.

According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures, work-related stress accounts for over a third of all new incidents of ill health and each case of stress-related absence is likely to lead to an average of one month off work.

Helen Toll, health and safety consultant, Norwich Union Risk Services, says that the Samaritan's Stress Down Day on 6 February was an important reminder that stress remains a very real issue, particularly in the current economic climate.

"Stress doesn't just affect the individual; it can have a detrimental impact on a business as well. It can lead to high levels of sickness absence, increased staff turnover and poor morale, all of which can all have a knock on effect on a company's reputation and customer satisfaction."

There are some practical tips that employers need to take into consideration in relation to managing stress in the workplace, according to Toll:

"Employers should establish a clear policy on stress management and other issues such as dealing with workplace harassment and bullying and violence to staff, which can be significant workplace stressors."

"Stress should be treated like any other workplace hazard. A risk assessment should be carried out, both at organisational level and within each team. It is important to work closely with employees and their representatives to identify the main sources of workplace pressure and develop realistic and workable solutions that proactively tackle the underlying causes of stress."

"Key to the successes of stress management programmes are senior management commitment, employee participation and the competence of line managers. It is essential that managers are provided with guidance and training in how to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress and understand the causes.

"They need to be clear about their role in stress prevention and management, know how to assess the risks and deal sensitively and supportively with employees who are struggling to cope."

"Employers should provide additional support for employees experiencing stress. This could be through the business's HR department or occupational health professionals. Providing access to confidential counselling services is also recommended."

Norwich Union Risk Services has just launched a new one day training course for employers. It includes advice on legal responsibilities, approaches to stress risk management and strategies for preventing and managing workplace stress.

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