Stress and Employer Liability by Jill Earnshaw
Employers have always paid a huge (but largely invisible) price for overloaded, stressed-out employees in terms of absenteeism, labour turnover and even low productivity. Today, they increasingly face litigation as well. Yet, there are ways for organizations to adopt a positive, pro-active approach to improving their workers' quality of life while avoiding the risk of costly lawsuits. This book examines in detail: major sources of stress - constant change, job insecurity, unclear or conflicting work roles, poor communications and difficult relations with colleagues; the law of negligence and liability for foreseeable stress-based injuries caused by the working environment; employers' responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and subsequent regulations; employment protection legislation and claims for unfair or constructive dismissal; discrimination, harassment and compensation for injury to feelings; sample cases, often based on allegations of bullying, that solicitors are bringing against employers; and preventive measures and remedial techniques, such as counselling and stress management programmes.