Coercing people with addiction problems into employment won’t work | Simon Wessely and Greg Smith

Threatening to cut the benefits of obese people or those with drug or alcohol problems unless they get treatment is probably illegal and impractical – and won’t save money

Few would dispute the gains arising for the individual, family and wider society of helping long-term unemployed people back to work. The links between unemployment and poor mental health including suicide are just about the strongest links known to psychiatry.

Details emerged on Wednesday of the review to be carried out by Dame Carol Black into how best to support those with long-term health conditions who are unemployed, yet could be helped to rejoin the world of work.

Related: Obese people and drug users who refuse treatment could have benefits cut

Far from reducing costs this is more likely to waste resources by forcing people into treatments that they don’t want

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