16 April 2004 - Landmark Case: Scottish Worker Seeking Damages for Stress
An ex-council worker in Scotland is seeking damages from his former employers - Renfrewshire Council, for work-related stress.
If Stuart McKay is successful, he would become the first person in Scotland to win compensation for emotional problems attributable to an excessive workload. Growing concerns over the case with a verdict in favour could, pave the way for further claims.
Mr McKay is seeking £150,000 in damages. He says that upon his return from six weeks off work in 1997, which was due to being overworked, his responsibilities were not reduced.
A statement from his lawyer stated:
"His workload was not reduced. He continued to be overworked and was required to work overtime. A failure to work additional hours would have resulted in many council tenants being deprived of vital assistance."
Renfrewshire Council states that Mr McKay refused the chance to offload some of his work as "he wished to prove his capabilities and further his career".
