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People with long-standing mental health problems more likely to be jobless and in poverty

A new UK report reveals the inequalities in living standards and opportunities associated with mental health, particularly people with long-standing mental health problems
Mental health

A new UK report reveals the inequalities in living standards and opportunities associated with mental health, particularly people with long-standing mental health problems

Mental health
Around 70% of men out of employment for at least three years have a long-standing illness,
and around one quarter have a long-standing mental health problem. Picture: iStock

People with long-standing mental health problems are more than twice as likely to be in poverty as those without a long-standing health problem, an annual Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report has revealed.

Among 25-54 year-olds, 28% of those with a long-standing health problem and 40% of those with a mental health problem are in relative poverty, while only 18% of those without any long-standing health problems have the same issue.

This means those with long-term mental ill health have an income below 60% of the median income after deducting housing costs.

The report, Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2018, which was released last week, also found that individuals with a long-standing illness are much less likely to be in employment, especially if they have a mental health problem.

Significantly less likely to be employed

Around 88% of the healthy population are in paid work, compared to 70% of those in poor health, and only 53% of those with a mental health problem were in paid work in 2016–17.

IFS research economist and report author Tom Waters said: 'People with a long-standing illness are significantly less likely to be employed than those who are healthy.

'Only half of 25-54 year olds with a long-standing mental health problem are in work compared with nearly 90% of the healthy population. 

'Those with a mental health problem who do work earn on average 23% less per week than their healthy counterparts.

'As a result, 40% of people with mental health problems are in poverty, more than double the rate for the healthy population.'

Income poverty and material deprivation

Poor health is particularly associated with long periods out of employment and more than half of those out of paid work for at least three years have a long-standing health problem, while one in six have a mental health problem.

Around 70% of men out of employment for at least three years have a long-standing illness, and around one quarter have a long-standing mental health problem.

Individuals with mental illnesses are especially at risk of income poverty and material deprivation, particularly if they have an additional health problem.

The report was produced with funding from independent social change organisation, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

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