The rate of unemployment for people with mental health problems is more than double that for the general population.
This is according to new research by King’s College London, which collected data in 27 EU countries from over 20,000 people in 2006 and again in 2010.
By using a survey, scientists at the institute assessed the mental health, stigmatising attitudes, social status, demography and current employment situation of all of those involved.
It was found that in 2006, joblessness was 7.1 per cent for people without psychological issues, compared to 12.7 per cent for those with conditions. This rose to 9.8 per cent and 18.2 per cent respectively in 2010 – showing the problem is getting worse across Europe.
Dr Sara Evans-Lacko, lead author of the study from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, said: “The economic recession has had enormous impact across much of Europe, but there is little information about the specific impact of the recession on groups who are already vulnerable to social exclusion.”
