Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them'.
Some people benefit from a certain amount of pressure as it can keep them motivated. However, when there is too much pressure it can lead to stress.
Stress is not an illness, but it can affect a person's physical and mental health.
If not properly managed, stress can cause:
- 'burnout' (physical and emotional exhaustion);
- Anxiety; and
- Depression. Stress can increase the risk of physical illnesses. For example:
- heart disease;
- back pain;
- digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome; and
- skin conditions. If an employer or employee spots signs of stress, it can be helpful to have an informal chat. This can help them understand how the person is feeling and what support they need. Getting help could prevent more serious problems. Acas has released new guidance for employers to help them better manage employees' and their own stress. See: [Causes and signs of stress: Managing work-related stress - Acas](https://www.acas.org.uk/managing-work-related-stress)
HMRC have opened a consultation, ‘Modernising the taxation of distributions and repayments of capital from companies’. They are seeking views on proposals to modernise the tax framework dealing with distributions made by companies to shareholders who are individuals or trusts.
Investors representing over $3 trillion of assets under management from across North America, the Gulf, Asia and Australia will participate in InvestConnect, a new UK investment fund. Aimed at connecting the UK’s nations and regions to trillions of pounds of global capital, the new platform was developed in consultation with professional investors, government partners and the UK's nations and regions.