More than one in seven UK employers need medical evidence of any stress-related absence, according to a new survey.

The survey, by the IT recruitment firm Spring, revealed that one in 10 employees were not aware of their organisation’s policy on stress.

Spring recommends stamping out bullying, setting realistic work deadlines and being aware of each worker’s individual circumstances.

Managing director Mark Ingram said: “If not addressed, stress can lead to impaired performance and a claim for personal injury being made against the employer.

“It is vital that all line managers in an organisation are fully aware of the company’s policy on stress-related illness and provide staff with the right level of support on a daily basis.”