SNP must do more to help more than quarter of a million Scots on long term sick back to work 

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has today called on the Scottish Government to do more to help the 269,000 people who are long-term sick or disabled to find work, including investing more in tackling mental health conditions, autism and ADHD.

Figures released from a parliamentary question from Mr Greene to the Scottish Government has revealed that there are an estimated 269,000 people in Scotland aged 16-64 who gave their reason for being inactive as long-term sick or disabled.

This includes 35,200 in Glasgow, 16,100 in North Lanarkshire, 14,100 in Fife, 14,000 in Edinburgh and 12,800 in South Lanarkshire.

Figures uncovered by The Times recently showed that the cost of Adult Disability Payments for working-age Scots with mental health conditions is now costing over £110m every month or £1.3bn per year.

This compares to only £270.5m per year which is dedicated to mental health services.

On Wednesday 28th May, Scottish Liberal Democrats led a debate in the Scottish Parliament where they will demand new treatment pathways for neurodiversity, warning that the lack of treatment options is negatively impacting the Scottish economy. Mr Greene said that the SNP risked writing off a generation of Scots in favour of a burgeoning welfare bill and little support to help them achieve their potential in life.

Jamie Greene said:

“These figures show that across Scotland there are huge numbers who are economically inactive because they are off long-term sick.

“Of course, there will always be some for whom paid work is not a feasible option but for many more, if they got the right care, the right mental health support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs.

“It seems ridiculous that around five times more is being spent on social security payments for people with mental health conditions than is being specifically dedicated to helping them through the NHS and back into the workplace.

“Similarly, people waiting on autism and ADHD diagnoses are facing waiting lists that stretch into the years.

“We should be investing in the NHS to bring down these long waits. Not only is that the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work.

"The Scottish Government need to work urgently with health boards and local authorities on a new plan to support those who are long-term sick; one that tackles long waits for care, invests in mental health and offers tailored advice and support for those who need it.”