Poor child mental health linked to long-term work limitations, study finds

Children in Great Britain with severe mental health issues are significantly more likely to face work limitations in adulthood, according to new research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

The study, based on data from the 1970 British Cohort Study, found that those with serious mental or behavioural conditions in childhood were 68% more likely to have long-term health issues that limit their ability to work by age 51. They were also 85% more likely to experience depression.

The IPPR analysis highlights the lasting impact of early health challenges. Children with physical health problems were also found to be 38% more likely to have limited work capacity later in life.
The thinktank urged the government to protect public spending on children’s health, expand the children’s commissioner’s role, and prioritise preventive healthcare.

The Department of Health and Social Care responded by outlining recent investments, including £680 million in mental health services and expanded school-based support reaching an additional one million children.

The findings come amid rising mental health crises among young people, with emergency referrals increasing by 10% in the past year. Experts warn that early intervention is vital not only for individual wellbeing but for easing long-term burdens on public services.