This review by the Royal College of Psychiatrists provides an introduction to policies surrounding mental health and employment. The review discusses symptoms of mental health, common and severe mental health conditions and outlines the economic, organisational and individual implications. While not focused solely on return to work, it reviews evidence of interventions (which aim to reduce sickness absence) and specialist work schemes for people with severe mental illness.

This report considered the latest evidence on the effectiveness of interventions available for individuals with common health conditions to stay in work and/or return to work to inform policy development. While broader in its remit than return to work following mental ill-health, it includes 41 studies that were reviewed focused on mental health. The report concludes that there is little support for clinical or medical interventions but found some benefits in using psychological interventions for employment outcomes (although the breath of conditions varied across studies). The authors highlight the need for improved evidence regarding workplace based interventions for individuals with mental health conditions.

This guidance has been developed to support those returning from long term sickness absence and return to work following incapacity benefit. The paper draws together findings from across a range of illness groups yet notes those relevant to mental ill-health. The guidance concludes that little evidence was identified on the effectiveness or cost efficiency of interventions to support return following mental ill-health.

This guidance is currently under review. Revised guidance is due this year.