Occupational Stress
Expert psychiatric evaluation of Occupational Stress to determine the presence of a psychiatric injury and establish legal causation. We provide CPR Part 35–compliant reports for civil litigation and expert reports prepared in accordance with applicable Tribunal Procedure Rules for Employment Tribunals, with urgent reports available, subject to documentation and expert availability.
Expert Type
- Forensic Psychiatrist
- Consultant Psychologist
- Occupational Psychiatrist
- Clinical Psychologist
Applicable Law
- Equality Act 2010
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Common Law Duty of Care
When Needed
This assessment is required when an employee alleges psychiatric harm resulting from workplace bullying, harassment, or excessive workload.
What Is an Occupational Stress Assessment?
An assessment for occupational stress involves a clinical evaluation to determine if a claimant has suffered a recognisable psychiatric injury due to their working environment. This process differentiates between the normal pressures of work and a clinical pathology that meets the threshold for a potential legal liability.
The evaluation applies the principles established in the principles established in Hatton v Sutherland to assess whether the harm was reasonable foreseeability by the employer. It examines the nature and extent of the work, signs of impending harm, and the employer’s response to identified risks.
- Recognisable injury — identification of a specific psychiatric condition diagnosed under ICD-11
- Reasonable foreseeability — whether the employer should have anticipated the risk of harm
- Breach of duty — failure to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury
- Causal link — evidence that the work environment directly contributed to the pathology
- Pre-existing vulnerability — assessment of prior mental health history and its relevance
- Functional impairment — the extent to which the condition impacts daily life and work capacity
The expert’s role is to provide an objective opinion on whether the psychiatric condition was caused or materially contributed to by the workplace stressors alleged. They must consider if other life events or constitutional vulnerabilities are the primary drivers of the claimant’s current state.
Our experts provide robust evidence for employment tribunals and civil courts, ensuring all reports adhere to CPR Part 35 requirements. This includes a clear analysis of apportionment where multiple stressors are present.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Clinical Interview
A detailed examination of the claimant’s mental state and occupational history to establish a clinical timeline.
Documentation Review
Comprehensive analysis of GP records, personnel files, and occupational health reports for evidence of prior complaints.
Psychometric Testing
Use of validated tools to measure symptom severity and screen for potential malingering or symptom exaggeration.
Causation Analysis
Evaluating the material contribution of workplace factors versus external life stressors or pre-existing conditions.
Differential Diagnosis
Distinguishing between Adjustment Disorder, clinical depression, and general workplace dissatisfaction or “burnout.”
Prognosis & Treatment
Assessing the likelihood of recovery and recommending therapeutic interventions or workplace adjustments required for return to work.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychiatric and psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
Clinical presentations often fluctuate over time, requiring a careful longitudinal analysis of the claimant’s functioning.
Assessment Process
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Instruction Received
We review the Letter of Instruction to identify key legal questions regarding liability and causation.
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Expert Matched
We assign a psychiatrist or psychologist with specific expertise in employment-related psychiatric injury.
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Assessment Conducted
A thorough clinical interview is performed, either in person or via secure video link.
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Report Delivered
A report compliant with CPR Part 35 (where applicable) is produced, detailing diagnosis, causation, and future prognosis.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All reports are quality-assured and our experts are available to provide oral testimony at Employment Tribunals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need an Occupational Stress Report?
Contact our team today for expert psychiatric reports in employment cases. We provide CVs and transparent quotes within 60 minutes.
Related Criminal Assessment Services
Evaluations of disability status and reasonable adjustments under the Act.
Psychiatric impact assessments following allegations of workplace misconduct.
Evaluation of psychiatric harm following accidents or trauma.
Expert reports on psychiatric injury resulting from medical errors.
Assessments to determine if a claimant has the mental capacity to instruct solicitors.
Psychiatric evaluations regarding a claimant’s ability to return to their role.
