Dealing with stress in the workplace is a difficult issue for employers who owe employees a common law duty to control stress levels. In 2002, the Court of Appeal (in Sutherland v Hatton) provided 16 points as guidance on the legal position concerning stress claims. In 2004, the House of Lords endorsed this general statement of the law (in Barber v Somerset County Council) but stressed it was only guidance and that each case would hinge on the particular facts under consideration. The case of Dickins v O2 plc, detailed in this article on our website, spells a clear message for employers: that stress cannot be ignored and it is important to have a formal stress policy in place. Employers should be alert to the signs of stress and once aware that a problem exists, investigate and take appropriate action at once.