Almost 70,000 people were supported as part of the NHS Talking Therapies programme, up nearly two-thirds on last year.

Secretary of state for work and pensions, Liz Kendall, said: ‘Good work is good for people's health and wellbeing. Talking Therapies are helping people get the mental health support and employment advice they need to secure work and get on in life.

‘With more people in well paid, secure work, we will boost living standards and get the economy growing.'

Data shows almost 2m referrals (1.8m) to Talking Therapies were made last year, with more than 1.2m people starting treatment.

NHS Talking Therapies help people who struggle with their mental health, such as anxiety or depression, and as part of the programme patients can be linked up with their own Employment Advisor if finding and keeping work, is something they are keen to explore or receive help with. 

Once an individual is signed up to the service, they are linked up with employment advisors who can help with a variety of different tasks, from finding a new role to CV writing, prepping for interviews, advising on reasonable adjustments in the workplace and setting goals.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting said: ‘It is vital that patients can get the support they need, to improve their mental health and help them back to work. 

‘This Government will transform mental health services, recruiting more than 8,500 mental health professionals, introducing mental health support in every school, and investing in Talking Therapies for an extra 380,000 patients next year.'