A recent survey from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shown that 200,000 individuals currently claiming health and disability claims are ready to work if the right job becomes available
As many young people are facing mental health struggles keeping them from work, the number of economically inactive 16-34-year-olds has risen by 26% in just one year, reaching over a quarter of a million (270,000) individuals.
Working to improve health
The Work Aspirations of Health and Disability Claimants survey found that around 44% of people with mental health conditions believe they will be able to work in the future if their health improves.
A further 32% of individuals on health and disability benefits are optimistic about their prospects of returning to work, with 5%, roughly 200,000 people, saying they would be ready to work immediately if provided with the right opportunities and support.
Although these results are positive, the current benefits system leaves many feeling trapped. The survey found that half of those on health and disability benefits who are not working hesitate to try paid employment due to the fear of losing their benefits if the job doesn’t work out. This creates a barrier for those who want jobs and independence.
The overall benefits of working
The survey further shows that, for many, work is not just about earning a paycheck. It is seen as a core part of their identity, with many believing that it would improve their self-esteem, happiness, and sense of security.
This reflects the wider societal understanding that being employed offers financial stability and mental and physical health benefits, which in turn create a positive cycle of well-being.
The surge in the number of people, particularly younger individuals, who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness has prompted the government to re-evaluate the existing health and disability benefits system.
This is part of a bigger target to push an inclusive welfare system that provides the best support for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Supporting individuals with mental health conditions in a workplace
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has emphasised the need for change, suggesting that the current system is failing people with mental health conditions who want to work.
Many people feel locked out of the workforce and classified as “can’t work” without considering the support they might need to overcome barriers.
Kendall has argued that this failure harms individuals and further prevents businesses from hiring a wider range of talented workers.
The government’s upcoming Green Paper, unveiled in Spring, will address these issues by proposing reforms that aim to create a welfare system that better supports people with disabilities and health conditions in their journey toward work. These changes are intended to offer tailored pathways into employment and consider the complex nature of individual health needs.
Improving the UK’s employment rate
These changes are expected to work with the government’s wider goal of improving the UK’s employment rate, which has been slow to recover since the pandemic.
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the UK remains the only G7 country with higher levels of economic inactivity than before the pandemic. This is largely due to the increase in people claiming incapacity benefits for mental health conditions—many of whom have not received the proper care or treatment they need.
The government has already taken steps to improve mental health support, including a record number of people accessing employment advice through the NHS Talking Therapies programme. The government has also pledged significant investments in mental health, such as hiring 8,500 more mental health staff and establishing mental health support teams in every school.
