Inaction On Mental Health ‘Costing UK Economy’

Failure by companies and politicians to address problems with mental ill health, such as stress, depression and anxiety, costs the British economy £10 billion a year.

According to a report by disability insurer UnumProvident, more than ten million working days were lost in 2005/2006 through stress, depression and anxiety, with the public administration, education and health sectors worst affected.

The study conducted by analyst Oxford Economics estimates that taxpayers are forking out over £6 billion as a result of mental ill health each year.

Research suggests that the number of claims linked to mental and behavioural problems has soared by over five per cent each year since 2000.

Joanne Hindle, corporate services director of UnumProvident, commented: “This research suggests that a relatively small investment on early intervention and rehabilitation has commensurate benefits, providing hope and belief for individuals, and financial benefits for the UK economy and the Exchequer.”

The highest levels of claims for incapacity benefit as a result of mental and behavioural disorders were in cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow, while 55-59-year-olds were most likely to experience mental ill health.