The Department for Work and Pensions has signed a three-year deal to offer an employee assistance programme (EAP) to more than 150,000 of its employees.
The contract, with EAP provider Right Corecare, will also cover employees of Department for Education and Skills, Department of Health, Food Standards Agency, Meat Hygiene Service and NHS Pension Agency.
Under the terms of the deal, specially trained helpline advisors and counsellors will be available 24 hours a day to offer professional advice on emotional issues, such as problems with personal and working relationships, legal and financial guidance.
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A spokesperson for contract management at the DWP said: “Modern lifestyles can place immense stress and strain on individuals, and events and situations outside the workplace can put staff under extra pressure in their professional lives.
“The Employee Assistance Programme ensures that we continue to offer practical advice and emotional support to staff who feel that they cannot manage a particular issue by themselves.”
