Sue Nickson, partner and chief operating officer, Hammonds, looks at the measures employers need to take to deal with employees suffering from stress. 

• Legal Q&A: Stress-related absences Employers need to be careful about how they deal with stress-related absences, even more so in the current economic downturn when employee stress levels are likely to be higher than normal. 

Also

Stress management and absence: the legacy of Bradford & Bingley Employment Review reveals how Bradford & Bingley helped to prevent and manage work-related stress and reduce the number of stress-related absence. 

Managing incapacity: how to manage workplace stress Personnel Today Management Resources offers a one-stop guide to managing incapacity. 

Stress at work: the invisible illness New developments and guidance mean it is more important than ever to deal effectively with stress at work, says Occupational Health.