Half of young people aged 18 to 24 believe that faster access to mental health support would be more effective in helping them enter the workforce than simply reducing benefits. This perspective emerges from a recent survey conducted by the group More in Common, which also found that two-thirds of all voters think many young people are unemployed because it is too easy to claim benefits instead of seeking work.

The survey highlights a divide in perceptions about the reasons behind youth unemployment. While a majority of the general population attributes the issue to benefit claim ease, a significant proportion of young people themselves identify mental health challenges as a key barrier to employment. Specifically, 51% of those aged 18 to 24 cited mental health problems as a major factor keeping young people out of work.

The findings come ahead of a planned report from former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, expected this autumn, which aims to address the crisis affecting young people who are not in education, employment, or training (Neets). Prime Minister Andy Burnham has emphasized tackling this issue as a priority, referring to it as a national “mission.”

Luke Tryl, director of More in Common UK, noted that while the public is interested in reforms to reduce the benefits bill, the preferred solutions involve providing greater support rather than merely cutting benefits. When asked what would most effectively help young people with mental health conditions find work, respondents most frequently chose faster access to mental health treatment, rather than stricter eligibility criteria or reduced benefit payments.

In parallel with the upcoming report on the Neets problem, the Department for Work and Pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms is set to publish a separate review this autumn concerning changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP)—a primary disability benefit introduced in 2013. Last month, Timms described the current PIP system as outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

The survey and forthcoming reports underscore ongoing debates about how best to support young people facing employment challenges, balancing calls for fiscal responsibility with recognition of the complex issues, including mental health, that impact workforce participation.