Universal credit and other government welfare changes have been linked to the rise of cases of mental health problems, according to a new study.
Published in Lancet Public Health Journal, the study "Effects on mental health of a UK welfare reform, Universal Credit: a longitudinal controlled study" reveals the 6.6% increase in the number of unemployed individuals experiencing psychological distress between 2013 and 2018.
This mirrors additional 63,674 people in England, Wales and Scotland, 21,760 of whom became clinically depressed throughout the period. The study observed more than 52,000 working-age people between 2009 and 2018. They were participants in Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study.
A co-author of the study, Prof Dame Margaret Whitehead of the University of Liverpool explained that it determined "observational associations" rather than "cause and effect."
She points out that a broader range of welfare changes may have led to the rise in mental health problems. The study's findings are part of the "mounting evidence of substantial mental-health harms related to universal credit".
Universal credit
The universal credit merges six benefits into one. This is aligned to the goal of simplifying the welfare system and encourage more people to work.
However, the universal credit was criticized for its long delays and a more difficult use of sanctions. There have been cases of suicide reported after having problems with the new system.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "People coming into the job centre are often doing so at a difficult time in their lives and there is a range of support available for those with mental-health conditions."
