The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning a major overhaul of the benefits system, focusing on approximately 200,000 individuals on health and disability benefits who are keen to work.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is preparing to announce significant changes to the health and disability benefits system in the spring of 2025, aimed at providing meaningful support for individuals eager to re-enter the workforce.

These proposed reforms are part of the government's Plan for Change, which seeks to remove barriers to employment and address the high levels of economic inactivity in the UK, particularly in comparison to other G7 countries post-pandemic.

A recent report reveals that 44% of individuals with mental health conditions believe they could work if their health improved, while 32% of benefit recipients feel they could work now or in the future.

Unemployment among young people due to mental health issues has surged by over 25% in the past year, reaching a staggering 270,000.

Kendall has highlighted the failures of the current system, stressing the need for better support for individuals with mental health conditions who wish to work, as the existing framework is detrimental to individuals, businesses, and the economy.

The government intends to collaborate with charities, businesses, and disabled individuals to create a fairer benefits system, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized effectively.

As part of the reform, jobcentres will be revamped to provide new job, career, and training opportunities, with health experts assisting individuals in their job search.

The DWP plans to implement stricter work capability assessments, which could result in the removal of benefits for many individuals, redirecting them to Jobcentre services for employment support.

Critics of the current benefits system argue that it traps individuals in unemployment, with half of claimants fearing the loss of financial support if they attempt to work and fail.

In addition to these reforms, the government will hire 8,500 more mental health staff, establish mental health support teams in schools, and provide open-access mental health hubs in communities.

These reforms are part of the broader Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims for an 80% employment rate and reduced poverty, aligning with initiatives like Time to Talk Day to encourage discussions around mental health.