Health Secretary says mental health conditions are being overdiagnosed
The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that 3.9 million 16- to 64-year-olds are currently receiving health-related benefits, which amounts to one in 10 of the working-aged population.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged the issue of overdiagnosis of mental health conditions and expressed concern that many individuals are being prematurely labeled as incapable. He emphasized the importance of providing proper support and treatment to individuals earlier to help them either remain in or re-enter the workforce.
Streeting highlighted the government’s commitment to hiring 8,500 additional mental health professionals to address the growing waiting lists for treatment.
Worsening Mental Health Since Pandemic
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had previously described the benefits bill as “spiraling,” with much of the increase attributed to more individuals claiming incapacity benefits due to mental health conditions.
Analysts examined various surveys and found that in the mid-2010s, approximately 8 to 10 percent of working-age adults had a long-term mental health or behavioral condition, a figure that has now risen to 13 to 15 percent.
Additionally, the number of individuals in England receiving prescriptions for antidepressants has increased by 12 percent since 2019.
1 in 10 Considering Leaving Work
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BBC handout photo of Health Secretary Wes Streeting appearing on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, in London, England, on March 16, 2025. Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire
PwC noted that economic inactivity may continue to rise, with one in ten UK workers actively contemplating leaving their jobs, equating to 4.4 million individuals.
The accounting firm emphasized that employees aged 18 to 24 are particularly vulnerable, with mental health playing a significant role in their decision-making process.
Mental health concerns were the second most commonly cited reason (32 percent) after “unfulfilling work” (35 percent) across all age groups.
Half Say They’ll Never Return to Work
Last month, a survey commissioned by the DWP revealed that nearly half (49 percent) of those on disability benefits believe they will never be able to re-enter the workforce.
Kendall emphasized the need for adequate support to enable more individuals to return to work, particularly for young people, as prolonged absence from work can have long-lasting negative effects.
She pointed out that while some young people genuinely struggle with mental health issues, there is a risk of perpetuating stress and pressure if merely working a day is seen as burdensome.
