Honda sued by 'stressed' employee

Car giant Honda is being sued for loss of earnings by an ex-employee who was sick for a year claiming stress at work.

Liz Hopkins, 42, worked for the company for 10 years and eventually became controller of finance at its European HQ in Swindon.

In 2000, she had three months off work due to stress, and then a year off for anxiety and depression.

Honda says the case is in the hands of its lawyers and would not comment.

'£45,000 plus benefits'

Ms Hopkins' solicitors say her contract was terminated after the year's absence.

Michael Berrett, of solicitors, Charles Lucas & Marshall, said: "Liz is not only claiming compensation for the pain and suffering she endured during the latter stages of her employment.

"She is also seeking financial compensation from Honda for loss of earnings.

"She has now returned to work as an assistant in a Sheffield Hospital earning £13,000 a year.

"In her last position at Honda she was earning in excess of £45,000 plus benefits.

"We hope the case will go some way to compensating her for the money she has lost if she had never had to leave Honda."