DWP Urged to Remove Universal Credit from 1.3 Million Citing Mental Health Issues
The Department for Work and Pensions has been urged to clamp down on benefits claimants who have been deemed too ill to work, with a specific focus on those citing mental health conditions. This call comes as Universal Credit sickness claims have surged by 17 per cent under the current Labour Party government, raising concerns about the sustainability of the welfare system.
Sharp Rise in Mental Health Claims
As of November 2025, there were 1,344,500 active Universal Credit health claims linked exclusively to "mental and behavioural disorders". This represents a significant increase from 1,153,400 in the same month in 2024. The figures highlight a growing trend where claimants are attributing their inability to work primarily to mental health issues.
Furthermore, the total number of Universal Credit health claims for all disease and mental health categories combined reached 3,142,028 in December 2025. This marks a staggering 48% rise from 2,117,766 in December 2024. Consequently, more than three million people are now classified as too ill to seek employment, placing immense pressure on the benefits system.
Political Reactions and Calls for Reform
Reform UK’s Lee Anderson has been vocal in his criticism, stating: "These figures should be a wake-up call. Britain cannot afford a system where millions of working-age people are written off and parked on benefits." He emphasized that while genuine mental health problems must be treated seriously, many individuals might benefit more from the structure and dignity that employment provides.
Anderson added: "We need a welfare system that supports those who truly can’t work, but that also expects those who can work to do so." His comments reflect a broader debate about balancing support for vulnerable individuals with the need to encourage workforce participation.
Government and Opposition Perspectives
On the government side, Labour Party cabinet member and DWP boss Pat McFadden has addressed related concerns about youth unemployment. He noted: "One in eight young people in England is not in education, work or training — we cannot afford as a country to have almost a million young people not contributing economically." McFadden highlighted efforts to enhance apprenticeship systems to train more domestic workers, especially in light of declining net immigration figures.
In contrast, Conservative Party Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticized the government’s approach, asserting: "The Government is killing opportunities for the next generation." This statement underscores the political tensions surrounding welfare policies and economic opportunities.
Implications for the Welfare System
The surge in mental health-related claims has sparked a nationwide discussion about the effectiveness and fairness of the Universal Credit system. Key points of contention include:
- The need for better mental health support services to help individuals return to work.
- The importance of distinguishing between genuine cases and potential misuse of the system.
- The economic impact of having a large segment of the working-age population reliant on benefits.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive review of welfare policies to ensure they adequately support those in need while promoting employment and economic productivity. The DWP’s response to these calls will likely shape the future of benefits administration in the UK.
