THE FAMILY of a man with mental health issues says he is being forced back into work by a Government department – which has gone against the opinion of his own doctor.

Jake Adey, 22, of Lynch Hill Lane, Slough, was diagnosed last year with anxiety and depression by the doctor he has had since he was baby, and is receiving medication. However, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessment recently claimed there was ‘nothing wrong with him’.

Mr Adey was threatened with a knife last year, leading to extreme anxiety and difficulty coping in everyday life. He has only been signed off work for around six months.

His mother, Lee Adey, 48, said: “He was coming out of work when he was approached by a well known individual, who held a knife up to him. There were lots of witnesses, and it’s had quite a serious impact on him.

“He has social anxiety, and he hasn’t stepped out on his own since the attack in July last year. If someone comes to the door he doesn’t recognise, he shuts himself in his bedroom. But now he’s got to go out to all these activities on his own - he’s going to have a meltdown.”

Mr Adey has a letter from his GP saying his is not fit to work, but DWP disagreed with the assessment.

Mrs Adey said: “DWP, in their wisdom, have talked to him and said he can work. They are going to send him on ‘work focused activities’, some out in the field, some in the Job Centre. He has to attend, they are mandatory. If he doesn’t they will cut his benefits - by taking away £8.20 per day, or by stopping it all together.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous, he spent 40 minutes with their so-called doctor, who just asked him a few questions. It’s all based on that, not the doctor he’s had since he was a baby. They have said they go above and beyond to help people with mental health issues, but now they are doing this.”

Mr Adey has also been referred to mental health organisation Healthy Minds, which is part of the NHS, by his GP. In their preliminary assessment, the organisation confirmed he was suffering from ‘severe’ anxiety and depression, and possibly PTSD.

Mr Adey said he had been threatened by jealous parties because of his relationship with his current girlfriend.

He added: “I was with the DWP doctor for 45 minutes, who said there was nothing wrong with me. They didn’t listen to the doctor I’ve had since I was born, who said I definitely had social anxiety, depression, and other stress-related things.

“I’m signed off work, I can’t legally work, but they are forcing me to get work. I can’t do it – I’m mentally not ready.”

He added: “If I go out and have a breakdown, will they be held responsible, or will I be held responsible?”

A spokeswoman for DWP said: “Everybody has to have an assessment before we make any decision on fitness for work, or employment and support allowance (ESA). We consider all evidence very carefully. If somebody is not happy with the decision, they can appeal.

“We fully support people with mental health conditions and we want to make sure they get all the support they need.”