Introduction: a rethink on how mental health and work intersect
Labour’s worklessness adviser, former prime ministerial adviser Alan Milburn, has sparked a debate about how young people with what many describe as “normal” mental health conditions—such as anxiety and depression that are common but not severe—are supported in the job market. He argues these individuals should not be written off as unemployable simply because they experience mental health challenges, and that with appropriate support, many could be in work. The statement has intensified discussions about welfare, employment, and the best ways to help young adults transition from education to sustainable employment.
What Milburn means by “normal” mental health conditions
Milburn is drawing attention to a category of mental health experiences that are widespread among young adults. He suggests that not every case of anxiety or depressive symptoms should automatically lead to long-term benefit dependence. Instead, he advocates for targeted employment support, early intervention, and stigma reduction so that young people can pursue work while managing their mental health with appropriate resources.
The potential benefits of work for young people with common mental health concerns
Working can offer structure, financial independence, social connection, and a sense of purpose—factors that often improve mental health outcomes. When supported properly, employment may act as a stabilizing force, helping individuals build resilience and reduce the risk of chronic unemployment. Proponents argue that the right mix of workplace accommodations and access to mental health care can enable many young adults to contribute meaningfully to the economy while maintaining their wellbeing.
Current challenges: gaps in support and barriers to employment
Despite the potential benefits, there are real barriers. Some young people face long wait times for mental health services, limited access to affordable therapy, and sparse guidance on balancing work with treatment. Employers may also struggle with understanding how to support staff dealing with anxiety or depressive symptoms, leading to reluctance to hire or promote those who disclose such challenges. There is also concern about the misalignment between welfare policies and the needs of those whose mental health fluctuates, risking cycles of withdrawal from the labor market.
Policy ideas to enable work without sacrificing wellbeing
Experts and policymakers are weighing several approaches to align welfare, health care, and employment:
- Enhanced case management: dedicated employment support workers who help young applicants navigate job searching, interview preparation, and accommodations.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: part-time roles, remote opportunities, and phased returns to work to accommodate fluctuating mental health symptoms.
- Integrated health and employment services: closer collaboration between mental health services and job centres to coordinate treatment plans with vocational goals.
- Employer education: training for managers on recognizing signs of distress, reducing stigma, and making reasonable adjustments.
- Early intervention funding: investment in youth mental health services to prevent minor symptoms from becoming long-term barriers to work.
Balancing protection and opportunity
The central challenge is balancing safeguards for people with mental health needs with the opportunity to work. Critics worry about pressuring individuals to work when they’re unwell, while supporters argue that decoupling work from welfare creates stronger incentives for recovery and skill development. The path forward, many say, lies in personalized plans that respect individual health trajectories and provide scalable support based on need.
What this could mean for young people and the economy
For young workers, the shift could reduce reliance on benefits by offering viable routes into long-term employment. For the economy, expanded workforce participation can help address skills gaps and promote economic growth. Importantly, any reform would need to safeguard mental health, ensuring that people are not pushed toward work at the expense of treatment or recovery.
Conclusion: a call for compassionate pragmatism
Milburn’s emphasis on “normal” mental health conditions prompts a broader conversation about how society supports young people in transition. The goal is not to normalize neglect of mental health, but to recognize that with the right support—early treatment, flexible work options, and strong employer partnerships—many young adults can be both productive contributors and people who receive the care they need. A measured, compassionate approach could unlock opportunity for tens of thousands of young adults while strengthening social welfare and the resilience of the labour market.
