Employer responsible for worker's suicide

<p>A landmark ruling from the House of Lords means all employers could now be liable if one of their workers commits suicide. </p> <p>Maintenance engineer Thomas Carr killed himself six years ago after an industrial accident while working at manufacturing firm IBC Vehicles in Luton, Bedfordshire. </p> <p>This week the House of Lords unanimously decided that Carrs depression led to his death, thereby upholding a 2006 Court of Appeal judgement that the company was responsible. </p> <p>The firm had unsuccessfully tried to fight the decision after admitting responsibility for the accident, but not Carr's suicide. </p> <p>His widow, represented by Rowley Ashworth solicitors, will be awarded compensation for pain and suffering. A figure of 688,000 has been put forward, but the final figure is yet to be agreed. </p> <p> It is in no way unfair to hold the employer responsible for this dire consequence of its breach of duty, said Lord Bingham. </p>