News Release, 14 March 2008
In response to the announcement by the government of back to work tests for those on incapacity benefits, Kathryn Hill, Director of Mental Health Programmes for the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“More than a third of people on incapacity benefits have mental health problems. Forcing them to jump through more bureaucratic hoops will only cause them greater distress and do nothing to help them get back to work, which is what the vast majority want. There’s also little point in forcing people into unsustainable employment merely to meet government targets."
"A more effective strategy for cutting the benefits bill would concentrate on tackling the massive discrimination people with mental health problems face in the workplace – it’s frequently what causes them to end up on benefits in the first place and it’s often the reason they stay on them.”
Facts
- 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]
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact Simon Loveland on 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
For more on the discrimination faced by those with mental health problems please see the Mental Health Foundation’s report, Actions Speak Louder
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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