Background. High levels of unemployment among persons with mental illness are a significant social disability. The individual placement and support (IPS) model of vocational support has been shown to be effective in establishing persons with mental health problems back into competitive employment in North America. Evidence outside North America is more limited.

Aim. To examine the evidence for the effectiveness of the IPS model of supported employment within the United Kingdom.

Methods. Systematic review of studies of the effectiveness of IPS conducted principally in the United Kingdom.

Results. The evidence base was small. Overall quality of evidence was fair. There is evidence that interventions with high fidelity to the IPS model increase the proportion of patients engaged in work or education/training over the short- to medium-term (6–18 months follow-up).

Conclusions. More research is needed to improve the evidence base in relation to IPS within a UK context. Evaluation should focus on both the nature and quality of the employment gained, patient and service factors.