Fit-for-work assessments discriminate against women with mental health problems
Mental health charities say new fit-for-work assessments discriminate against women when it comes to those who are at risk of suicide.
Campaigners say new guidance issued by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on how to score people at risk of suicide when it comes to Work Capability Assessments (WCAs) places additional and unfair criteria on women because their risk of taking their life is statistically less.
Assessments deem that, for example, a man who has depression with the additional personal factor such as being a diagnosed self-harmer would be scored as being of limited capability for work.
However the same guidance states a woman in the same situation would need an additional personal factor over and above the criteria men must meet.
Campaigners say that while some gender factors do come into play with mental health issues, such as men being more at risk of suicide, the tests are unfair and over simplistic.
Carolyn Roberts, public affairs manager at the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), said: “The Work Capability Assessment has already been heavily criticised for not being able to accurately assess mental health problems, with independent reviews recommending its assessors should have more experience in mental health.
This looks like the addition of a blunt and unsophisticated method of assessment to a system that is already failing people
"And while it is undoubtedly true that more men lose their lives to suicide than women, this looks like the addition of a blunt and unsophisticated method of assessment to a system that is already failing people with mental health problems.
“SAMH calls on the DWP to withdraw these new rules."
Although men account for around three quarters of all suicides, campaigners say this doesn't tell the whole story as attempted suicides are not taken into account.
There was still a “huge lack of understanding” within the welfare system around mental health according to Tom Pollard, policy and campaigns manager at mental health charity Mind.
He added: "The DWP have told us that they have come to this decision because suicides are more prevalent among men than women.
“We are seeking further clarification from the DWP on the reasoning behind this decision, which massively oversimplifies the issues around suicidal thoughts, feelings and actions."
However the DWP said the advice, which is written in a handbook for health care professionals carrying out work capability assessments on behalf of the government, was open to interpretation.
A spokesman said: "In the subject areas covered by the guidance there are some differences between men and women – for example, men have higher suicide rates than women – and the way the guidance is written is designed to take that into account."
