New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that workers experiencing anxiety or depression who receive both NHS talking therapies and support from government job coaches are more likely to claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) compared to those who only access NHS therapy.
The figures reveal that workers who had combined NHS therapy and employment support were 4.2 percentage points more likely to be claiming DWP benefits three years after treatment. This contrasts with individuals who received solely NHS talking therapies.
Further analysis suggests that people aged between 25 and 55 were less likely to be claiming benefits following treatment compared to younger individuals. The ONS report also interprets these trends as indicating that some individuals may be moving into lower-paying jobs or reducing their working hours.
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Interestingly, those who were out of work at the time of treatment were found to be less likely to claim state benefits three years later.
The expansion of NHS Talking Therapies remains a priority for the government, as highlighted in the recent 2025 white paper. The document emphasises continued investment in these therapies to tackle poor mental health, which is a leading cause of work inactivity. It further states that extensive research supports the effectiveness of nursing talking therapies in improving employment outcomes.
However, some critics have expressed concern about the government’s approach. Amy Wells, senior communications and membership manager at the National Survivor User Network, warned that the emphasis on returning disabled people and those with mental health conditions to work risks overlooking the need for comprehensive support. She highlighted that the focus on talking therapies as a means to facilitate employment may have limited impact on actual job retention or re-entry and described the government’s strategy as potentially harmful and ineffective.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson responded by noting that varying uptake of support may influence the data. They stressed the importance of integrated employment advisers within NHS talking therapies, who aim to identify and assist individuals whose mental health affects their ability to maintain employment and to help them access suitable support.