A legal expert is urging businesses in Bradford to place more importance on stress in the workplace.

Elizabeth Henry, an employment law specialist with Last Cawthra, says firms need to be more aware of the problem which is the biggest cause of absence among non-manual workers in the UK.

Elizabeth Henry said: "Workplace stress is certainly a growing problem for British Industry. According to the Health and Safety Executive, about five million workers say that their job is very stressful.

"The figures speak for themselves but far too many victims suffer in silence and too many companies do not realise the extent to which stress can affect their business performance.

"We've seen a large increase in the number of stress related claims launched against employers. With today's claims culture, people are more likely to take their case to tribunal, so it's vital for employers to be aware of their responsibilities and rights."

The most recent research from the HSE indicates that stress will cost employers approximately £20 billion between 2000 and 2010.

But with stress difficult to recognise, for some bosses the problem can go unnoticed.

Mrs Henry added: "The problem is that stress is hard to identify and currently there isn't specific legislation relating to stress in the workplace.

"If you were to bring a claim to tribunal for stress, the claim would be made using by a patchwork of different legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.

"This Act places employers under a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their workforce and to carry out an assessment of risk. It doesn't, however, have specific clauses relating to stress in the workplace.

"In order to minimise risk, employers can take a number of steps. A risk audit could be carried out, and then any findings acted upon.

"Where a problem is identified such as boring or repetitive work, management could consider moving people between jobs to increase variety. Stress management courses may need to be considered by the employer."