A new report claims millions of people with mental health problems are being held back from work by inadequate JobCentre support and unsupportive workplace cultures.
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute says around 4.2 million adults in the UK who are unemployed or economically inactive, have a common mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.
An additional six million are also thought to be affected.
A survey of 468 people found 75% of those who were economically inactive believed better support from employers or the government could help them move towards work.
But some said employment services focused on getting people into any job rather than finding roles suited to their needs.
Others said Jobcentre Work Coaches did not always understand how their symptoms affected their ability to seek employment.
What’s more, almost two-thirds of respondents said they had been treated badly by an employer because of their mental health, including bullying, mockery or discrimination.
While 87% said they would benefit from adjustments such as flexible hours or working locations, only 38% said they had requested and received them. Nearly a third did not feel able to ask, while 17% said their requests had been refused.
Almost half said they had accepted a lower salary to stay in work, while others had cut their hours or taken jobs below their skill level.
The institute is calling for specialist mental health Work Coaches in every Jobcentre, wider use of tailored employment programmes and clearer expectations for employers on flexible working and phased returns.
Recommendations come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges to help more young people into work through increased mental health support.
Commenting on the research, Conor D’Arcy, deputy chief executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: ‘We’re at a pivotal moment: the action this government takes over the coming months could determine whether more people with mental health problems can move into long-term work, or if they stay frozen out of the job market.
‘Many people with mental health problems are fighting tooth and nail to stay in jobs which don’t offer a shred of flexibility, or where toxic behaviour by some employers is grinding down people’s resilience. They’re also being failed by mainstream employment support which pushes them into any job rather than one they could balance with their needs.’
Brian Dow, chair of the Head On Campaign, said: ‘This report shows clearly the steps that need to be taken to help deliver the ambition the new prime minister set out for people with mental health problems on his first day of office.
‘If we are to have a truly world-leading approach to mental health that means ensuring people are in good jobs that enhance their wellbeing as much as it does delivering high quality healthcare.’
Image: Openverse
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