People with a mental illness in Wandsworth more likely to be employed than their peers

People with mental illnesses in Wandsworth are more likely to be employed than their peers, figures suggest.

NHS Digital data shows that in March, the employment rate in the area's working age population was roughly 76%.

But for those who were mentally ill, it stood at 88%.

That was significantly up from the year before, when just 79% of people with a mental illness were in employment, compared to 71% of the general population.

However, across England as a whole, just 51% of people with a mental illness were employed in March, compared to 75% of the working age population.

The figures are based on the Labour Force Survey – a study of people's employment circumstances – by the Office for National Statistics.

Mental health charity Mind say hundreds of thousands of people with long term mental health conditions fall out of employment every year, many due to a lack of appropriate work place support.

Vicky Nash, Mind's head of policy, campaigns and public affairs, said unemployment and financial insecurity could take their toll on a person's mental health.

She added: "People with mental health problems can thrive and make a valuable contribution to the workplace, but some staff will need additional support from their employer to reach their full potential.

"All too often a lack of understanding about employers’ legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 means that many disabled staff – including those with mental health problems – aren’t given the reasonable adjustments they need to excel in their roles.

"It's also really important those out of work are supported to find work suited to their individual skills and aspirations if and when they are ready."

Mind is calling for employers to become legally obliged to monitor and reduce health-related pay gaps and for Statutory Sick Pay to begin earlier to ensure ill employees do not work because they cannot afford time off.

A Government spokesman said SSP waiting days protect employers from the cost of short-term absences, and that many pay above the minimum level.

He added: “We understand those with mental health conditions may need different kinds of support and we offer specialist programmes paired with personal support from our Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisors."

The Government has also committed to seeing a million more disabled people – likely to include some with severe mental health conditions – in work by 2027 as part of its Plan for Jobs initiative.

More than 20,000 employers have signed up to the nationwide Disability Confidence scheme, which champions inclusive recruitment practices, while the Access to Work initiative provides grants to disabled or mentally ill people to help ensure their workplaces are accessible.