Causes of long-term illness are changing, treasury secretary says

Number of young people taking leave due to mental health issues ‘saddening’

The number of young people in the Isle of Man experiencing mental health problems due to long-term illness is truly distressing, the treasury secretary said.

Dr Alex Allinson says these are becoming more common than physical problems such as back pain or injury.

He says he’s now trying to find ways to get them back into the workplace.

The minister told Manx Radio he did not believe anyone would choose to stay on benefits for a long time: