Number of people on sickness benefit rises 20% in a year

The number of people on universal credit (UC) with a health condition has increased by 20 per cent in the past year, government data show.

Some two million people on universal credit have a health issue or a disability restricting their ability to work.

This is up from 1.6 million in 2023, an increase of 400,000 people, and means nearly a third (31 per cent) of all people on universal credit have a health condition.

According to the government statistics, mental and behavioural disorders are now the most likely medical condition to be recorded, followed by musculoskeletal issues.

At least 69 per cent of the benefit assessments done show mental and behavioural disorders – although this may be in addition to other health conditions and not the primary reason for needing support.

And 48 per cent are recorded with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. More than half (53 per cent) of those on UC health – the term to describe those who are restricted in their ability to work due to a condition – were women and 11 per cent are under the age of 25.

While not all of these people will necessarily be economically inactive, they are likely to be need additional support to work and will rely – in part – on benefits.

Nil Guzelgun, head of policy at mental health charity Mind, said the data “highlights the acute need for mental health support”.

The Department for Work and Pensions said: “We are taking the long-term decisions to help everyone who can work to do so.”

The Government said the increase was in part due to the replacement of legacy benefits, such as employment support allowance, with universal credit.