Sickness absence rates have risen by 37% in 2022 compared to 2019, indicating a decline in overall population health.

The IFS found that mental health issues have significantly worsened in the aftermath of the pandemic, which has played a crucial role in the rising disability benefit claims.

The government has recognized the necessity for welfare reform, aiming to establish a fairer system that supports sick and disabled individuals while also promoting employment opportunities.

In response to the unsustainable rise in disability benefits costs, which have escalated from £35 billion in 2019-20 to £48 billion in 2023-24, the government plans to implement cuts to the personal independence payment (PIP), the main disability benefit.

A recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlights that over half of the increase in disability benefits in England and Wales is linked to a surge in claims related to mental health.

Demand for mental health services has surged by over 36% since before the pandemic, with 2 million individuals accessing NHS mental health services by December 2024.

Mortality rates in England and Wales have increased, particularly due to alcohol, drugs, and suicide, with a 5.5% rise in deaths in 2023 compared to the 2015-19 average.

Approximately 500,000 of the recent surge in disability claims can be attributed to mental ill health, underscoring a troubling trend in mental health-related claims.

Since the pandemic, the number of working-age adults receiving disability benefits has increased by nearly 1 million, reaching a total of 2.9 million in 2024, with 7.5% of individuals aged 16-64 now claiming benefits.

The report estimates that around 3,700 additional deaths among working-age adults in 2023 were linked to these causes, highlighting the connection between increased mortality and severe mental ill health.

Mental health or behavioral problems accounted for 25% of disability claims in 2002, rising to 40% by 2019 and further increasing to 44% by 2024, indicating a deterioration in mental health since the pandemic.

Experts are advocating for improved mental health services and timely access to treatment, urging the government to focus on public health rather than cutting benefits to manage rising costs.