We're getting Britain back to work'

Boost for mental health to reverse long-term sickness

- Giles Sheldrick

MINISTERS have vowed to get Britain back to work in the wake of a health-related economic emergency.

A mental health crisis - primarily among young men is blamed for record numbers missing from work.

Figures show 9.3 million are "economically inactive" but 2.8 million are off work or out of education because of long-term sickness - a rise of 8.4% in a year.

NHS services are being bolstered to help address the crisis and new measures are expected to be announced in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget on Wednesday.

This follows an announcement in the Autumn Statement, including benefits being withdrawn from those suffering long-term health conditions and disabilities if they are unable to find a job within 18 months.

Ministers are also planning to trial reforms to make it easier and quicker for people to get specialised work and health support.

Last night a Government spokesman told the Daily Express: "We're committed to driving down longterm sickness related inactivity.

"This is why we've introduced our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan to millions of people manage their health conditions help while supporting them back into work.

"As part of this, we're thousands ensuring more people benefit from tailored mental health treatment while helping them find work by expanding and improving NHS Talking Therapies backed by £795million.

"We're also investing £2.3billion to expand provision of wider NHS mental health services so millions more people can get the treatment they need."