Objective: To investigate the stability of correlates of labour force activity among people with affective and anxiety disorders, compared with healthy adults, between 1998 and 2003.
Method: Secondary analyses of multi-stage probability samples of community residents (n(1998)=37,580 and n(2003)=36,088) obtained from repeat administrations of an Australian population survey.
Results: Proportionally, fewer people with affective or anxiety disorders were employed compared with well controls. Extent of employment restrictions, sex, age left school, country of birth, age and educational attainment were strong correlates of labour force participation and current employment. These effects were stable despite improved labour market conditions in 2003.
Conclusion: These results can inform decisions about access to substantial forms of employment assistance. Subgroups of people with anxiety and depression, with severe employment restrictions, low education, low language proficiency, aged 15-24 years, or aged 55 years or more, may require greater access to substantial employment assistance.