Stress caused by work is costing UK organisations dearly. However, despite numerous appalling statistics and increased publicity around the problem, many organisations are still failing to do anything to reduce it. This article suggests reasons why this is the case and outlines attempts by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to try to overcome the problem. It also explains the background behind health and safety initiatives for stress, and provides an overview of the guidelines for employers and employees put forward by the HSE in June 2001. Finally, it describes the latest guidelines for work-related stress which resulted from the Hatton v. Sutherland Court of Appeal verdict in February 2002.
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