To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of working days lost by his Department’s staff was attributed to stress-related conditions in the most recent year for which figures are available. (187869)

Stress-related illness accounted for 8.5 per cent. of all working days lost to sickness absence by staff at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 2007.

The FCO recognises the importance of identifying and reducing sources of stress in the workplace. Our occupational stress policy, which aims to protect staff health and welfare, gives detailed guidance for staff and managers. The FCO also offers welfare support for staff and families, who may be suffering from stress, including access to a 24/7 counselling service.