Mental Health and Employment
The TUC has published a report, Mental Health and Employment, that estimates that only 1 in 4 (26.2%) people with a mental illness or phobia lasting for 12 months or more are in work.
The report contains new analysis of official employment statistics, which finds that while 4 in 5 (80.4%) non-disabled people are in work, people with mental illness, anxiety or depression have substantially lower employment rates:
- Only 1 in 4 (26.2%) people with a mental illness lasting (or expected to last) more than a year are in work.
- Less than half (45.5%) of people with depression or anxiety lasting more than 12 months are in work.
The TUC is concerned that this suggests employers are failing to make adequate changes in the workplace to enable people with mental illnesses, anxiety or depression to get a job, or stay in work. Mental health problems can often be 'invisible' to others, so a lack of mental health awareness amongst managers and employers is also likely to be a factor.
