5 October 2009
In response to the Conservatives’ proposals to transfer hundreds of thousands of people on incapacity benefit to the lower-paid Jobseeker's Allowance, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“About a third of people receive incapacity benefit because of a mental health problem*, so any serious attempt to help people get back to work is welcome. However there is a real danger that pushing people towards employment when they are not ready will be counter-productive, as the present government has discovered. The obvious risk is that you cause immense distress to hundreds of thousands of people without getting anyone closer to a job.
“We need to ensure that all staff working with benefits claimants are properly trained in mental health issues, aware of the risks of pushing people with mental health problems into unsuitable work and support people to move towards work at their own speed. The Conservatives’ proposals do not appear to address these fundamental issues.
“Far more also needs to be done to support and encourage employers to take on people with mental health problems – a high proportion aren’t prepared to even consider employing a person with a history of mental health problems.”
ENDS
* 34% of people on incapacity benefit have a mental or behavioural problem (486,000 out of 1.4 million people).
[Ref - The Department for Work and Pensions Tabulation Tool, May 2007]
Notes to editors:
The Government introduced a new Employment Support Allowance (ESA) on the 27th October 2008 to replace Incapacity Benefit for new claimants. ESA will involve new medical assessments of the ability to work and most claimants will be expected to take steps to prepare for a return to work. Those who fail a medical assessment or do not comply with certain conditions can have their level of ESA reduced. For more information see the Department for Work and Pensions website
A national study has found that fewer than 40% of British employers would consider giving a job to a person with a history of mental illness. [Ref - Mental Health and Social Exclusion, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004]
In a survey, over 85% of people with a mental health problem actively wanted to find a job.
[Ref - Stanley K, Maxwell, D Fit for Purpose? London 2004]
For further information, please contact Simon Loveland on 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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