Ahead of a vote on the planned package of welfare reforms announced by the Department for Work and Pensions, Mental Health Matters have urged the government to revisit their approach.

Responding on behalf of Mental Health Matters, Chief Executive Officer, Jane Hughes commented:

"Any welfare reform should be focused on expanding support, not stigma, but with this package of measures the government falls significantly short of that threshold.

Even with the concessions made by the Prime Minister last week, these reforms risk harming the most vulnerable in society. A person struggling with their mental health tomorrow, still has the same need for welfare as the person who was struggling yesterday.

There are no age restrictions on having a mental health crisis, yet these plans remove the right for those under 22 to access health related benefits - which will yet further harm the wellbeing of young people.

Drawing arbitrary lines in the sand where deeply restrictive conditions are applied on support for the sick and disabled doesn't make the bill any fairer, especially for young people.

This is the wrong way to go about getting those struggling with their mental health back into employment. We urge the government to withdraw this bill and engage further with concerned stakeholders."