£12m boost to get mental health patients back to work

The government has pledged £12 million to help get mental health patients back in to work.

New ways to assist those with mental health conditions will be piloted in four areas across the country.

Employment advisers and GPs will also receive training to identify mental health issues and recognise the role of work in improving mental health.

Nearly half (46%) of people claiming Employment and Support Allowance have mental health conditions.

Mental illness is estimated to cost taxpayers and businesses £105 billion a year in health and police services, welfare benefits and sickness absence.