Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Paragraph: 49
Integrate mental health support and job readiness training into future DWP programmes for young people
Recommendation
The pandemic has led to a steep rise in mental health problems among young people. Whilst maintaining steady employment often helps people to sustain good mental health, problems with mental health are a principal barrier to employment for many 16-to-24-year-olds. Support for mental health should be treated as a foundational aspect of employment support for young people. Mental health support and specific training designed to build confidence around job readiness should be integrated into future DWP programmes designed for this age group. DWP should consult with mental health professionals when designing this support to ensure it is appropriate and effectively integrated into the programme.
Government Response Summary
The government highlights close collaboration with DHSC and NHS and lists several existing and planned interventions, such as Employment Advisers in NHS Talking Therapies and the Universal Support programme, that integrate mental health support for young people. It also notes that DWP work coaches receive training to assist claimants with mental health conditions.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The department works closely with DHSC and the NHS, in recognition of the fact that many people find mental ill health a barrier to employment, which is especially true for young people. There are a range of Government interventions to support young people with mental health conditions both in and out of work. These include: Employment Advisers in NHS Talking Therapies, Access to Work, Mental Health Support Service (MHSS), the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP), the Individual Placement and Support programme, Intensive Personalised Employment Support, and the planned introduction of a new supported employment programme - Universal Support. Work coaches undergo comprehensive learning to support customers with additional or complex needs, particularly those with disabilities and mental health conditions, which they continue to build on in the workplace by accessing point of need learning products. This learning provides work coaches with the knowledge and skills to be aware of and support claimants with their disabilities and help them to overcome any barriers, allowing them to move closer to the labour market. This may include providing claimants with additional support and signposting them to specialist services if required.