Brits self-diagnosing normal anxieties as mental health illnesses are hiking up benefits bill, claims Mel Stride

"Normal" anxieties or medical conditions?

According to Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, individuals who self-diagnose normal anxieties as mental health illnesses are contributing to an increase in the benefits bill. Stride expressed concerns that labeling everyday life challenges as medical conditions could be hindering individuals and driving up costs.

A call to action

As part of new plans, individuals signed off with "mild" conditions will be encouraged to seek employment. This shift aims to address the rise in the number of people on long-term sickness benefits, which reached 2.7 million in January 2020, with many citing issues like bad nerves or depression.

Government response

While the Prime Minister's spokesman did not echo Stride's comments directly, Chancellor Rishi Sunak acknowledged the challenges related to addressing long-term sickness-related inactivity in the workforce. Health minister Dame Andrea Leadsom also emphasized the importance of Stride's point, albeit with a slight difference in framing.