THOUSANDS of people are receiving benefits due to mental and behavioural disorders, figures show.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is provided to people who are struggling to work due to long-term health conditions. It is available to those unable to work completely and for people whose hours are limited by their condition.

Data from the Department of Work and Pensions shows 7,611 people in Bradford were claiming ESA due to mental or behavioural conditions as of last summer – 51 per cent of the 14,911 claimants in the area.

Meanwhile, 1,867 people in Bradford were receiving ESA for 'musculoskeletal' diseases – which includes issues with joints, bones and muscles.

Megan Pennell, head of public affairs and campaigns for Mind, said a lack of mental health support – including lengthy waiting lists for NHS mental health services – was keeping people out of the job market.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "We are taking the long-term decisions to help everyone who can work to do so, improving lives and growing the economy.

"Our landmark welfare reforms will cut the number of people due to be put on to the highest tier of incapacity benefits by over 370,000 and instead give them personalised support."