Work-related stress

Stress is an adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure. It is not a disease. But if stress is intense it can lead to physical and mental health problems (depression, nervous breakdown, heart disease etc).


Legislation

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that employees are not made ill by their work. Where stress is caused by or made worse by work could lead to ill health, the employer must assess the risks.