Page 3 of 6 8.2 If both the manager and the member of staff consider that the matter requires additional professional guidance, reference should also be made to the Human Resources Manager who may, depending upon circumstances, suggest to the staff member that they be assessed by an NHS Occupational Health Adviser. 8.3 Wherever reasonably practicable, an employee experiencing excessive and sustained work-related stress will have their work adapted, including the possibility of alternative employment within WATMOS, so as to remove the risk or reduce it to an acceptable level. A joint strategy will be agreed with the person concerned, their Manager and the Human Resources Manager. If there is no suitable alternative employment within WATMOS which would not involve the risk of exacerbating their condition, an employee should recognise that, ultimately, it may be necessary, with sufficient reason, to terminate their employment. 8.4 Managers must keep records of the advice and action they have taken in relation to an employee suffering from work-related stress. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, the employee has the right to access such information. Progress should be recorded, monitored and reviewed appropriately. 9. THE POLICY IN PRACTICE: MONITORING AND EVALUATION 9.1 Each employee of WATMOS will be issued with a copy of its policy on work-related stress and guidance and all new staff will be briefed on it as part of their induction. Every staff member will be made aware of his or her individual responsibility to ensure that the policy is effective. 10. EFFECTS OF STRESS 10.1 While each individual's response to stressors is unique, some common symptoms are discernible: Behavioural - withdrawal, hostility, excessive eating, drinking or smoking, poor concentration, being too busy to relax, absenteeism. Emotional - loss of confidence, lack of self esteem, anxiety, frustration, anger, apathy. Physical - difficulties in sleeping, frequent and unspecified aches and pains, digestive problems. Displaying some of these symptoms does not automatically indicate that a person is experiencing stress, but they point to such a possibility.