Analysis by insurers Legal & General, using Department for Work and Pensions statistics, has shown that stress-related absences are nearly three times more likely to be taken by women than men.

Between October and December 2010, absence statistics have shown 31,000 women took sick days citing stress, depression or anxiety, compared to 11,000 men. Almost three-quarters (74%) of stress-related absences were by women, with only 26% of absences being taken by men.

The research follows the release of the DWP Survey, Health and well-being at work: a survey of employers, which revealed that only 17% of employers have any form of stress-management advice and support in place for their employees.

Furthermore, the CIPD absence management annual survey report recently highlighted that stress is the second biggest cause of short-term absences and one of the leading causes of all long-term absences for non-manual workers.

Diane Buckley, MD of Legal & General Group Protection, said: "Stress is one of the leading causes of long-term absence, so employers should ensure that good quality support is available in the workplace to help women before they reach this point."