The government has proposed that job coaches visit mental health patients in hospitals to help them return to work. This initiative follows successful trials where employment advisers provided CV and interview advice to patients.
According to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the trials have produced “dramatic results.” She hopes to expand the program as part of her effort to reduce the UK’s disability and incapacity benefits bill.
Concerns from Disability Campaigners
While the government highlights the success of the trials, disability rights advocates are concerned. They argue that these visits could negatively impact patients’ mental health.
Mikey Erhardt, a campaigner for Disability Rights UK, criticized the idea:
“It is ridiculous to turn a hospital—a place of care—into a business setting.”
James Taylor, executive director at the disability charity Scope, also expressed concerns. He said there needs to be evidence that job coaches visiting seriously ill people won’t cause distress.
‘Dramatic’ Results from Trials
The cost of disability benefits is projected to rise by almost a third over the next five years, from £48 billion in 2023-24 to £63 billion by 2028-29, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Kendall is keen to reduce these costs by helping people re-enter the workforce.
In an interview with the BBC, Kendall said she wanted more people to work, as it benefits both the individual and the economy. However, she acknowledged that some people may lose their benefits, saying the current system can “disincentivize work.”
Kendall praised trials at hospitals in Leicester and Camberwell, where patients with serious mental health conditions received employment support. The help included training in CV writing and interview preparation, with Kendall calling the results “dramatic.” She also noted that getting people back to work has proven to be beneficial for their mental health.
Skepticism and Calls for Evidence
Disability campaigner Erhardt remains skeptical. He argued, “It is hugely inappropriate to subject people experiencing mental distress to CV check-ups.”
Minesh Patel, from the mental health charity Mind, welcomed the focus on mental health but urged the government to release more details. He stressed that many people with severe mental health issues experience additional trauma during their hospital stay. Patel believes patients need compassionate care to recover before rejoining the workforce.
Disability Benefits and Future Reforms
The government is preparing an employment white paper, expected alongside the Budget, which will detail plans for benefits reform. This could affect who qualifies for certain benefits, including disability allowances and universal credit.
Although most benefits rose by 6.7% in April, reflecting inflation from a year ago, the next increase—based on September’s inflation data—will be lower. Benefits like personal independence payments, disability living allowances, and carer’s allowances must rise with inflation. However, ministers will decide on other benefits, such as universal credit.
Health Problems and Employment Challenges
Kendall also highlighted that the UK is the only advanced economy where employment rates haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, 21.8% of people aged 16-64 are economically inactive, meaning they aren’t working or seeking work.
Kendall believes the UK’s employment challenges are linked to rising health problems. She urged employers to offer more flexible work options for people with mental health conditions.
She also revealed plans to transform job centers by merging them with the National Careers Service and using AI to provide more personalized support.
Regional mayors could also be given more control over job centers, allowing them to better match local job vacancies with unemployed people. This aligns with calls from Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for greater regional oversight of job centers.
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