Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly exhausted because of your job? If so, you’re not alone. Stress at work is becoming a silent epidemic in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 875,000 workers in the UK reported work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2022-23. That accounts for a staggering 51% of all world-related ill health cases.
But here’s the big question: Can I claim compensation for stress at work? Yes, you can. And we’re here to show you exactly how.
Whether you’re dealing with burnout, bullying, or constant pressure at work, this guide breaks it all down using simple words, practical steps, and friendly advice. Plus, we at Claim Time Solicitors have expertise in stress at work claims and know how to help you secure maximum compensation .
85% of workers have experienced symptoms of burnout and exhaustion due to work-related stress, with nearly half (47%) having taken time off for mental health reasons.
35% of adults reported experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure at work, with 20% needing time off due to stress-induced poor mental health.
Understanding work-related stress
Work-related stress happens when your job demands more than you can reasonably give. Not all stress is equal, but when work starts messing with your head, it’s time to take it seriously. It can be triggered by:
- Unrealistic deadlines
- Excessive workload
- Bullying or harassment
- Lack of managerial support
- Unsafe or toxic work environments
These aren’t just “part of the job”, they are warning signs of a toxic work environment. And if you’ve raised these issues and your employer shrugged them off, your case just got a whole stronger.
And guess what? It’s not “just in your head.” Stress can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, and physical health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease. The longer it goes unchecked, the more damage it does.
Know your rights: What’s in a stress at work policy?
Most UK employers should have a stress at work policy, and nope, it’s not just some boring PDF gathering digital dust in the HR folder. This policy is meant to be your safety net when work starts weighing you down.
Here’s what it should include:
- How to speak up about stress without fear, drama, or getting side-eyed
- What help’s on the table: like councelling, mental health support, time off, or reviewing your workload
- What changes they’ll actually make to help you cope (think of flexible hours, a new manager, or even shifting roles)
If your employer has this policy but totally ignores it when you need help, that’s not just poor management. That’s ammunition for your claim. Because stress policies aren’t just office wallpaper, they’re promises. And when those promises are broken, that’s when your rights step in, and your case starts looking a whole lot stronger.
Can I claim compensation for work-related stress?
Yes, you can claim for work-related stress. But to claim personal injury compensation for stress at work, you need to prove
- Your employer breached their duty of care
- You suffered a recognised psychiatric illness (not just stress, but diagnosed depression or anxiety)
- The stress was foreseeable and preventable
Stress at work and your employer’s duty of care
Your boss isn’t just responsible for your payslip, they’re legally responsible for your well-being too. And yes, that includes your mental health.
Under the UK employment law, your employer is required to take all reasonable steps to protect your mental and physical well-being. That means:
- Conducting regular risk assessments
- Addressing staff complaints
- Creating a safe, respectful work culture
- Providing resources like mental health support or HR access
If they fail to do this and turn a blind eye and let stress fester and you become unwell, you could have every right to claim compensation for stress at work.
What does the law say?
The Health and Safety at Work etc. 1974 Act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees. This includes both physical and mental health.
Employers should also follow the HSE Management Standards for work-related stress and have a clear stress at work policy. If they don’t follow these rules or ignore warning signs from you, it may strengthen your stress at work compensation claim.
What evidence do I need to prove stress at work?
You need to show that your employer knew or should have known about your stress and didn’t take appropriate action. Here’s what helps:
- GP or mental health professional reports
- Emails or messages raising concerns to HR or the manager
- Diary entries documenting your symptoms and incidents
- Colleague witness statement
- Company documents (like risk assessment or meeting notes)
Keep all your records organised. A paper trail makes a big difference in winning a stress at work claim.
How much compensation for stress at work can I get?
Every case is unique, but here’s a rough guide based on the Judicial College Guidelines:
- Moderate psychiatric injury: £5,000 – £19,000
- Severe psychiatric injury: £54,000 – £90,000+
Factors affecting your payout include:
- How serious your condition is
- Lost income or sick leave
- Cost of therapy or treatment
- Impact on your relationships and quality of life
How long do I have to claim?
The personal injury claim time limit for stress at work in the UK is generally three years from the date of injury or from when you first realised your condition was caused by work. Sounds like a decent amount of time, right? But here’s the catch: time flies, memories fade, and important emails or medical records can vanish into the digital abyss. If you miss this window, you might lose the right to claim. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast.
So don’t hang about. If you’re even thinking about making a claim, speak to a solicitor sooner rather than later.
Meet Claim Time Solicitors — your stress claim experts
At Claim Time Solicitors, we know what it’s like to feel trapped by your job. That’s why we’ve helped hundreds of UK employees claim compensation for stress at work and get the justice they deserve.
Here’s what makes us different
- No win, no fee guarantee
- Deep expertise in workplace mental health claims
- Friendly, down-to-earth advice
- We handle the stress, so you don’t have to
Whether you’re just starting to experience problems or already have a diagnosis, it’s never too early to reach out.
Thinking of quitting your job? Read This First
We get it. The idea of handing in your notice and never looking back can be tempting. But here’s why you should talk to us first.
- Leaving could weaken your case if done without seeking help first
- You may be entitled to thousands in compensation
- We can help protect your rights and guide your next steps
Before you walk away, let us help you walk toward something better.
Stand up for yourself – we’ve got your back
If you’re still asking yourself, “Can I claim compensation for stress at work?”, chances are, something’s already gone wrong. Your well-being matters. Your voice matters. And yes, your claim matters. With Claim Time Solicitors, you’re not just a case file. You’re a person who deserves peace, justice, and a better future.
So don’t just put up with it. Whether it’s a never-ending workload, a difficult manager, or just feeling completely burned out, your experience is valid. With the right help, you can take steps toward getting the support and compensation you deserve.
Ready to start your claim?
Contact us on 0800 970 2727 or book a free call-back online—fast, free, no obligation! We at Claim Time Solicitors are ready to help you figure out your next best step. Because you deserve peace of mind, not panic attacks on Sunday nights.
You wouldn’t ignore a broken arm, so don’t ignore your broken spirit.
