Mental Health UK responds to the proposed changes to social security system

 

Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK, said:

“The raft of proposals announced today will not have quelled the anxiety experienced by many people for whom social security is a lifeline if they are too unwell to work or need additional support. There is rightly concern that it’s going to be harder to access essential support such as Personal Independence Payments, which can help people manage their mental health and live a good quality of life.

“However, today’s announcement rightly recognises that secure employment can be a foundation of good mental health. The £1 billion investment in employment support has the potential to break down barriers and put the right support in place to help people thrive at work, principles that our Into Work programme demonstrates to be effective. Equally, we must encourage employers to create a supportive workplace that intervenes early with reasonable adjustments if people are struggling, preventing them from dropping out of the workforce suddenly.

“Understanding the detail in today’s announcement speaks to some of the complexities of navigating vital support through our social security system, and it’s essential that people have clarity around how the proposals announced today may affect their circumstances as soon as possible.”

 

Please note:

• Most measures announced today apply to Great Britain.
• Personal Independence Payments (PIP): England and Wales only
• Scotland: Ministers can choose how to fund spending changes
• Northern Ireland: Most measures don’t apply directly; Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will work with devolved government on reforms