Minister's Concerns
The Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride, has expressed concerns that individuals who self-diagnose normal anxieties as mental health illnesses are contributing to an increase in the benefits bill. Stride believes that labeling common life experiences as medical conditions can hinder individuals and lead to a rise in welfare costs.
Rising Numbers
Since 2020, the number of individuals unable to work due to long-term sickness has surged to 2.7 million as of January. Many of these individuals report struggling with issues such as nerves or depression.
Government Response
While the Prime Minister's spokesman did not echo Stride's comments directly, both Rishi Sunak and health minister Dame Andrea Leadsom acknowledge the challenges posed by long-term sickness-related inactivity in the workforce.
Leadsom commended Stride for raising an important issue but noted that she would approach it differently.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/top-cops-and-prosecutors-urged-to-collaborate-in-crime-fight/
