Centre for Mental Health

Commissioning what works can save millions to the NHS, says Sainsbury Centre report

22 September 2009

The NHS can make better use of millions of pounds by commissioning the best form of employment support for people with severe or enduring mental health problems, according to a report published today by Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.

Commissioning what works: the economic and financial case for supported employment shows that Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which helps people into paid competitive work, is effective, is good value for money and is affordable to the NHS.

Implementing IPS across England would cost the NHS £67 million a year (or £440,000 per average PCT). By contrast, current spending on day and vocational services for people with severe or enduring mental health problems is around £184 million a year.

Studies have shown that IPS is by far the most effective way of helping people who use mental health services to get jobs. And those who work regularly make less use of mental health services, needing fewer hospital admissions, as well as having a better quality of life and a higher income.

Commissioning what works concludes that redirecting spending from less effective services to IPS would cost the NHS less money and gives more people a better chance of fulfilling their potential through paid work.

Sainsbury Centre employment programme director Dr Bob Grove said: "Nine out of ten people who use mental health services want to work but only one in five actually do. Too many vocational training and rehabilitation services are ineffective in getting their clients jobs. Many still assume that people need a lengthy period of training and preparation before seeking open employment.

"IPS turns the traditional model on its head saying the priority is to get people into competitive employment quickly, with training and support to follow afterwards if needed.

"IPS costs no more to run than traditional services. Over time it will save money for the NHS as more people get jobs, develop careers and reduce their use of mental health care.

"Some say that, with the economy in recession and unemployment rising, this is no time to expand employment support. Yet the recession will pass and IPS should be seen as a long-term programme helping people to take advantage of job opportunities when economic conditions improve."