The amount of compensation you can expect to receive is dependent on your circumstances. No work related stress claim is the same, which makes comparisons with other claimants tricky. However, for each claim, we will assess the following to determine the value of your claim:

• Compensation for your injury (general damages) 
• Any financial losses, past or future, incurred as a result of your injury (special damages)

Typical damages tend to range from up to £5000 for less severe claims, to £100,000+ for more severe cases.

Proving claims for stress at work can be complex, and typically require handling by an experienced solicitor. To give your case the best chance of success, it’s vital to make sure you are collecting and preserving as much evidence as possible. You should also ensure to raise a grievance with your employer as soon as possible, so they know that you are feeling stressed and can take steps to support you and prevent the issue from getting worse. 

You can find out more about the process of proving stress at work by clicking here.

As an employee, you have several rights when it comes to work related stress, and your employer has responsibilities to protect you. For example:

• Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including assessing and managing the risks associated with work related stress.
• If an employee is experiencing work related stress due to a disability, their employer must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs, such as adjusting working hours, providing support, or modifying tasks to reduce stress.
• Employees must be protected against discrimination and harassment, including that related to stress. If stress is caused by discrimination or harassment, employees have the right to take legal action.
• If an employee believes that their work related stress isn’t being managed adequately, they have the right to raise a formal grievance with their employer, who is expected to handle the grievance in a fair and timely manner.
• Employers should provide appropriate support and resources to help prevent and manage work-related stress.

This list isn’t exhaustive. If you feel that your rights have not been met at work or your employer hasn’t carried out their duties, and this has led to stress, our solicitors can assist with stress at work claims.

It is possible to be dismissed from your employment while off sick with stress, if it makes it impossible for you to do your job. However, before doing so, your employer must look into ways they can support you, including considering whether it is actually the job that is making you sick, and if so, what changes could be made to support you. They must also give you a reasonable amount of time to recover from the stress.

If you feel that you may have been dismissed unfairly, our solicitors specialise in work related stress claims and therefore may be able to assist.