Talking Law - Swindon Mindful Employer Network (From Swindon Advertiser)

Talking Law - Swindon Mindful Employer Network

12:00pm Friday 13th November 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

Written by David Latham

There is a lot of talk these days about employees taking bosses to a tribunal over issues relating to stress - and I have to admit that I know very little about how the latest legislation can impact on employers and employees. Can an employee drag an employer in front of a judge every time they feel excessive pressure ? Can employers ignore signs of stress ? How can situations like this be avoided altogether anyway ?

It was these questions which got me thinking when planning our latest Head4Business newsletter and the next Swindon Mindful Employer Network in November. We are currently holding our meetings at law firm Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons so I took the opportunity of asking them to enlighten me. Kerrie Hunt , leader of the Employment Team replied : "In a recent claim relating to psychiatric injury resulting from work-related stress, compensation awarded to a Head Teacher ran to six figures. In another claim, it was not enough for an employer to have suggested use of counselling support services, a more proactive approach should have been taken. Whilst such awards and cases may still be the exception, employers simply cannot afford to remain in ignorance of their legal obligations or hide behind a lack of understanding on this issue."

This got me thinking again ..... so I asked Thring Townsend to organize a presentation on 25th November 2.30pm at their offices in Penny Lane. We are looking forward to hearing Kerrie's colleague Esyllt Davies.

Other presentations include Tina Sherrington of Nationwide Building Society and Emily Leadbetter of Capita Group with a special session arranged by Kate Kyne (Occupational Health Manager) and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (Senior HR Advisor) looking at collaborative working at Great Western Hospital. Should be an interesting few hours !