Mind responds to research looking at the impact of the Work Capability Assessment
The Work Capability Assessment has taken its toll on the mental health of the nation, according to a study published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Mental Health.
Responding to the research, Tom Pollard, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Mind, said:
“This worrying study shines a light on the damaging impact the Work Capability Assessments can have on people’s mental health. We’ve long been calling on the Government to overhaul their current fit-to-work tests.
“We know that people with mental health problems often find these assessments hugely stressful and, since they don’t accurately assess the extent to which a mental health problem can affect someone’s ability to work, many individuals get the wrong outcome. This could mean they are required to look for work before they are ready, or have to go through a lengthy and stressful appeals process to challenge the decision, all of which can impact further on their mental health.
“This research provides further evidence that this process can be seriously harmful, yet thousands of unwell individuals still have to endure it every week.”
