Mental health ‘needs to be a part of welfare reforms’

Discussions surrounding welfare reforms need to take into account the issues regarding mental health illnesses, one specialist has claimed.

Chief executive of charity Mind Paul Farmer said it is “excellent news” that the government has decided to review the work capacity assessment scheme, adding those with psychological problems face a number of challenges with benefits systems.

Yesterday (July 27th), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed statistics showing 39 per cent of people previously on incapacity benefits were found fit for duties under the employment and support allowance initiative.

However, Mr Farmer stated the current procedures for examining whether individuals are ready to return to their jobs are inadequate.

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“The number of successful appeals are evidence of the inaccuracy of the test, with 40 per cent of the most recent appeals upheld,” he explained.

These DWP figures merely fuel negative feeling towards people who are on benefits, the expert noted, which can have a “devastating impact” on those with mental health problems.

Posted by Cameron Thomson