Doctors are costing business billions of pounds, in lost output and recruitment costs, by not doing enough to help people with mental health problems return to work, according to a survey of more than 600 employers published today.

Some 40 per cent of people claiming incapacity benefit suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Reducing this level is essential if the government is to meet its "pledge to get 80 per cent of all people of working age into work", finds the study by Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and consultants KPMG.