To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what arrangements his Department has in place to assist officials to overcome the effects of stress experienced in the workplace. (222170)

The Department is committed to the well-being of its employees. It has a number of procedures in place to reduce stress at work. A stress management framework, based on the Health and Safety Executive's management standards, is available to all employees and gives easy to use advice on the successful prevention, recognition and management of stress at work.

In addition, on 1 July 2008, a new Employee Assistance Programme was made available to all members of staff, providing them with enhanced employee care.