# Young people with mental health issues better off in work than on benefits, Pat McFadden says

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/young-people-with-mental-health-issues-better-off-in-work-than-on-benefits-pat-mcfadden-says/
- Published: 2026-11-06T19:00:22+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T19:26:58+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/neets-mental-health-neurodivergent-benefits-mcfadden-b3080612.html
- Topics: Health, Mental Health, Politics

## Key points

- McFadden says work can support young people’s mental health.
- Denmark’s disability employment rate rose from 40% to 60%.
- UK ministers are considering welfare changes and new legislation.

## Summary

Pat McFadden said work can help young people with mental health conditions or neurodivergence, arguing they should not be left with a life of inactivity on benefits. He made the comments as the Government prepares major welfare changes in 2027 and considers how to address rising numbers of young people outside work, education or training.

McFadden was speaking during a visit to Denmark, where the Fleksjob scheme supports people with health conditions or disabilities to work reduced hours or with adjustments, with local government subsidies topping up wages. Denmark’s disability employment rate has risen from 40% to 60% in a decade. McFadden said Britain would not copy the scheme wholesale; ministers are awaiting reviews on disability benefits and youth employment and he expects legislation next year.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.