The UK is facing a significant increase in the number of individuals being declared unfit for work due to mental health issues, with recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions indicating that 20,000 people per month are unable to enter or remain in the workforce because of these conditions. This trend accounts for over two-thirds of all incapacity benefit claims, highlighting mental health as a major factor impacting employability in the country.

As of the latest figures, a record high of 2.8 million people are on long-term sick leave post-Covid, with mental health and learning disabilities being the primary reasons for benefits expenditure, despite physical health issues like back and joint problems also being significant factors. The Resolution Foundation think-tank has pointed out that Britain now has a “larger, but sicker workforce,” raising concerns about the sustainability of benefit costs for the working-age population.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are under pressure to address these escalating costs and to provide adequate support for those affected by mental health issues. The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined plans aiming to reduce the number of people on long-term sick leave by offering job support and enabling individuals with mental health conditions to find employment where possible. However, there are warnings from experts about the repercussions of reducing benefits for those with severe health conditions and the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support.

Organizations such as Mind, a mental health charity, are advocating for more effective mental health support, pointing out the long waiting lists for NHS treatment and the necessity of specialized help to encourage individuals back to work without jeopardizing their financial security. The DWP has stated that welfare reforms are designed to offer personalized support and alleviate fears of losing benefits for those attempting to work, emphasizing assistance over punitive measures for health conditions that limit work capability.