Research by the umbrella psychotherapy professional network UKCP found a massive increase in anxiety and depression among out of work people in recent years. The time period considered in the research overlaps with changes in government policy on unemployment benefits – including the introduction of harsher sanctions for those who fail to comply with an often complex and demanding benefits framework. It is this link between increases in psychological distress among unemployed people and current benefit policy that has led UKCP to call on government to suspend the sanctions regime and review the impact of its welfare policies on mental health. UKCP is also calling for greater resources to mental health services.
Further details on the research and UKCP’s proposals can be found here:
rise in psychological distress among unemployed people