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Mental Health Issues Leave Thousands Out Of Work In The UK

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted March 17, 2024

Thousands in the UK are unable to work each month due to mental health issues.

Recent figures indicate at least 20,000 people file for incapacity benefits for mental health reasons.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this statistic represents over two-thirds of all claims.

These figures show two million are getting Universal Credit health benefits, a 400,000 increase in a year, with 69 percent deemed unfit for any work.

The data finds the prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders in 69 percent of assessments over the past two years.

Physical conditions such as back and joint problems are cited in 48 percent of claims.

However, mental health stands out as a major factor affecting people's capability to work.

On average, claimants suffer from 2.7 health conditions, underscoring the complexity of the issue and the challenge in addressing the growing benefits bill.

Experts stress the need for specialised support over general government crackdowns on job seekers.

They advocate for measures that genuinely assist individuals in overcoming health barriers to employment.

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Christopher Rocks, of the Health Foundation thinktank, said the data “reinforces the increasing importance of mental health on people’s ability to work”.

He said: “Ill health is driving the rise of people on out-of-work benefits and having a significant impact on the economy,” seeking “tailored support” rather than government crackdowns on job hunters.

“Some recent government measures are a step in the right direction but can be scaled up and go further.

“However, measures that restrict benefit entitlement for people with work-limiting health conditions risk being counterproductive.”

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