The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), headed by David Blunkett (pictured), has introduced a new employee assistance programme (EAP) to help staff cope with the pressures of modern life.
Over 150,000 employees will be able to get support and advice through the service, launched last month. The DWP hopes that the new EAP will help employees to deal with a range of personal and work-related issues.
Employees at the Department for Education and Skills, Department of Health, Food Standards Agency, Meat Hygiene Service and NHS Pension Agency, will also be entitled to use the scheme.
A spokesperson for contract management at the DWP said modern lifestyles can put staff under stress and problems at home can have a knock-on effect on their professional lives. The department says the service will support workers struggling to deal with these issues on their own.
Employees can receive professional advice on emotional issues, such as problems with personal and working relationships, through to legal and financial guidance.