Mind comments on welfare reform Green Paper

Posted Tuesday 22 July 2008

Commenting on the release of the Welfare Reform Green Paper 'No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility', Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind, said:

"People with mental health problems have the highest want to work rate of any disabled group but they need help and support to be able to do this successfully. The Government's proposals offering personalised support are a definite step forward but it comes with a catch. By introducing increased conditionality and tougher sanctions people some people may be pressured to return to the workplace before they are ready for fear of being left without any income at all. Facing this stark choice will undoubtedly cause them further distress and there's a high chance their condition could deteriorate in the long-run.

"Encouraging people to go back to work is only part of the deal. The biggest barrier is the attitude of employers to people who have mental health problems, not the attitude of people with mental distress to employment. The Government needs to take action to ensure that employers fulfil their part, and provide a supportive work environment free from stigma and discrimination."

Notes to editors

• Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. 
• For more information, interviews and a range of case studies please contact Mind press office on T: 020 8522 1743 M: 07850 788514 E: press@mind.org.uk
• ISDN line available: 020 8221 0817.
• Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.

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