FIRMS are to be consulted on how to reduce work-related stress, which has become the biggest cause of working days lost through ill-health, it was announced today.

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) launched a three month exercise to explain plans to help employers gauge stress levels and identify the causes.

Stress accounts for over 13 million days lost to industry every year, costing the economy '3.7 billion.

"We're not about eliminating all stress or pressure in the workplace. Rather we want to help employers recognise and manage the risks sensibly," said HSC chairman Bill Callaghan. Tweet