PEOPLE with mental illnesses in Southampton are far less likely to be employed than their peers, figures suggest.

Mental health charity Mind has called for more to be done to combat a striking national employment gap, saying hundreds of thousands of people with long term mental health conditions fall out of employment every year – many due to a lack of appropriate workplace support.

NHS Digital data shows that in March, the employment rate in Southampton’s working age population was roughly 79%.

But for those who were mentally ill, it stood at just 55%.

That means that the employment gap has narrowed since the year before, when 41% of people with a mental illness were in employment, compared to 75% of the general population.

Across England as a whole, just 51% of people with a mental illness were employed in March, compared to 75% of the working age population.

The figures are based on the Labour Force Survey – a study of people’s employment circumstances – by the Office for National Statistics.

Vicky Nash, Mind’s head of policy, campaigns and public affairs, said unemployment and financial insecurity could take their toll on a person’s mental health.

She added: “People with mental health problems can thrive and make a valuable contribution to the workplace, but some staff will need additional support from their employer to reach their full potential.

“All too often a lack of understanding about employers’ legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 means that many disabled staff – including those with mental health problems – aren’t given the reasonable adjustments they need to excel in their roles.

“It’s also really important those out of work are supported to find work suited to their individual skills and aspirations if and when they are ready.”

A Government spokesman said SSP waiting days protect employers from the cost of short-term absences, and that many pay above the minimum level.

He added: “We understand those with mental health conditions may need different kinds of support and we offer specialist programmes paired with personal support from our Work Coaches and Disability Employment

Advisors.”

The Government has also committed to seeing a million more disabled people in work by 2027 as part of its Plan for Jobs initiative.