Behavioural help can end long-term sickness absence

Researchers from Sheffield University examined the cases of more than 2,000 incapacity benefit claimants in South Yorkshire.

Two-thirds had mental health problems and a fifth had back or other muscle and joint disorders.

All attended seven sessions of the South Yorkshire Condition Management Programme, which used cognitive behaviour therapy principles to help them manage physical and psychological problems.

After three months, 22 per cent of the participants had gone into paid employment or taken steps towards work.

Improvements were also seen in measures of wellbeing, self belief and social functioning.

Darren Bickerstaffe, of the condition management programme, said: "In the current economic climate, interventions that increase employability and help people return to work must be welcomed."