Mental and behavioural disorder claimants up 29%

by Gill Montia

Story link: Mental and behavioural disorder claimants up 29%

New analysis by Legal & General shows that the number of people claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of mental and behavioural disorders has increased over 29% since 2010.

ESA is paid to people who cannot work because of ill-health or disability and in May 2011, 265,530 people were claiming the allowance because of mental and behavioural disorders, compared with 205,700 a year earlier.

The study, which is based on figures from the Department of Work and Pensions, also reveals that in 2011:

73,600, or over 27% of mental and behavioural disorder claimants, were aged between 35 and 44, an increase of over 29% compared to 2010.

61,230, or over 23% of mental and behavioural disorder claimants, were aged between 24 and 34, an increase of nearly 28% compared to 2010.

However, the largest percentage increase was in the +60 age group (+66.9%) with 4,640 such claimants in May 2011.

L&G suggests that its research highlights the importance of early notification and specialist support for employees with mental health problems.

The insurer’s managing director of group protection, Diane Buckley, says: “The fact that there are more than 260,000 individuals claiming sickness benefits for mental and behavioural disorders is concerning.”

She adds: “These figures show how important it is for employers to provide good quality support for people in the workplace.”