DIVORCE HURTING WORKPLACES IN THE NORTHEAST
11% locally have had to leave jobs after a split, or have a colleague who has; 23% have seen workplace hit by sick leave following stress of break-up; 21% say separation or divorce had a negative impact on productivity
Businesses in the North East are suffering as a result of divorce and separation. That’s the finding of a new piece of research from family law not for profit group Resolution.
The research, released today 26th November 2014 shows that 11% of people in the North East have either had to leave their job as a result of their own separation, or have seen a colleague move on for the same reason.
According to Resolution, who commissioned the research to mark Family Dispute Resolution Week, the stress of separation also has an impact, with 23% saying they or one of their colleagues has had to take sick leave as a direct result of the anguish of a break up. While 21% of people in the North East said separation and divorce has had a negative impact on productivity where they work.
Yet despite the effect it has on them or their colleagues, just 10% of people think their employers offer adequate support for people going through a break up, with 42% saying more needs to be done to provide support.
It’s estimated that divorce costs the British economy up to £46bn every year; and the British Chambers of Commerce recently emphasised the relationship between employees’ wellbeing and business productivity.
Local family lawyer Amanda Adeola, spokesperson for the Tees Valley region of Resolution, said:
“It can be easy to forget that sometimes things that are going on outside of work have a profound effect on what happens within it, as these figures show.
“With workers across Britain seeing a notable impact on productivity, taking sick leave, or even leaving their jobs altogether, divorce and separation is an issue that bosses need to take seriously and look out for the warning signs.
“There are 9,035 small businesses (i.e. those with less than 50 employees) in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton- on-Tees, so losing just one member of staff, even for a short amount of time, can have a huge impact on productivity, and on the other people that work there.
“Divorce is a really stressful thing to go through – but there is a better way to deal with it. Resolution members in the Tees Valley region help people manage their separation in a way that minimises conflict, focuses on the needs of any children they might have, and helps them avoid court if they can.
“Divorce and separation affects a huge number of people – 70% of people in the North East have been through a split themselves, or know someone who has.
“So if someone you know at work is separating from their spouse or partner, encourage them to speak to a Resolution member, read the advice on our website, or download our free guide to the options available to them. Separation is tough, but there is a better way.”
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Amanda Adeola, Macks Solicitors Darlington on 01325 387971 or email amanda.adeola@macks.co.uk.
