Employers could cut down on long-term absences if they tackle stress and other mental health problems earlier, according to Group Risk Development (GRiD).

Research by the group shows that 45 per cent of employers believe mental health is a major cause of extended lay-offs among staff members.

A further one-in-four respondents said it was also a cause of shorter-term absences.

GRD said it was evidence that bosses should do more to tackle mental health cases before they become serious.

Katharine Moxhamat at GRiD said: “Where once stress and mental ill health were commonly overlooked as a key health risk for businesses employers appear to be taking note.

“These figures prove just how big an impact stress and mental ill health can have on employers when managing the well-being of their business and the implications for absence rates if left unchecked.”