Job applicants with schizophrenia facing ‘discrimination’

Tens of thousands of people with schizophrenia are being denied the chance to work because of “severe discrimination”, a report has found.

Only eight per cent of people with schizophrenia are in paid employment, compared with 71 per cent of the general population, although many more would like a job, a report by the Work Foundation says.

Seven out of 10 people with schizophrenia feel that they experience discrimination because of their condition. The report blames a lack of understanding, stigma, fear and discrimination towards people with schizophrenia and calls for urgent government action to prioritise work as part of the recovery for those with mental illnesses.

People with schizophrenia in paid employment are over five times more likely to achieve remission from their condition than those who are unemployed or in unpaid employment, according to the report, Working with Schizophrenia.

Charles Walker, chairman of the all-party mental health group in the Commons, said: “For many people with the condition, having a job can mean a great deal, both economically and socially.

“We must ensure funding continues so that more people living with schizophrenia can access the workplace and carers can also return to work."