Divorce affecting businesses

Divorce hurting workplaces in Rochdale

Businesses 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 shows that 7% of people in the North West 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 16% saying they or one of their colleagues has had to take sick leave as a direct result of the anguish of a break up. 15% of people in the North West 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 33% saying more needs to be done to provide support in the workplace for those undergoing separation or divorce.

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.

Susan Johnson, Solicitor at Molesworths Solicitors, a member of Resolution, said "Our firm is very pleased to be associated with such a good organisation as Resolution, our department works to Resolution's code of conduct, and we think they do a great job providing support and guidance to families with difficulties in relationships."

Stacy Fox, spokesperson for the Manchester region of Resolution, said: “It can be easy to forget that sometimes things 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.