A package of measures to help unemployed people who are experiencing depression or anxiety to get back to work were announced on the weekend by health secretary Alan Johnson and Work and Pensions secretary James Purnell. There will be a faster roll out of talking therapy services around the country, with services will be available in every area by 2010, and employment support workers linked to every talking therapy service. The NHS will also get a reduction in the rate of VAT to commission complementary services including debt advice and family counselling.
