Universal credit linked to rise in psychological stress, study finds

Failure to modify benefit is likely to increase pressure on NHS, researchers say

Universal credit is linked to an increase in “psychological stress” among the jobless people who claim it, according the first major study to quantify the impact of the government’s flagship welfare system on mental health.

The study found the introduction of universal credit across the UK was associated with a 6.6 percentage point increase in mental health issues among recipients compared with a comparison group who were in employment or retired.

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