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Austerity measures 'may increase suicide rates', says Unite

13 October 2011

The prospect of an increased rate of suicide because of the government's austerity cuts has been raised by Unite, the largest union in the country.

Unite, in its response to Preventing Suicide in England: a cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives, has drawn parallels with the Greek economic meltdown which has reported a 40 per cent rise in suicides in the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2010.

Unite, which embraces the Mental Health Nurses Association, acknowledges the Department of Health's development of a new suicide prevention strategy for England with the aims of reducing suicide rates and improving the support for those bereaved or affected by suicide.

However, the consultation said: 'We believe that the coalition government's austerity measures will have an adverse effect on this intention. We have already seen the effect in countries that are pursuing harsh austerity measures that the rate of suicides is increasing.'

Unite's fears are backed up by findings earlier this year by Channel 4 News suggesting that some of the deepest cuts will hit some of the most vulnerable people – in mental health services.

Unite professional officer, Dave Munday said: 'We believe that the economic crisis engulfing the country will increase the pressures on individuals, faced with tightening finances, repossessed homes, marital breakdown and lost jobs.'

'Bearing in mind that 20 per cent of the population will suffer mental problems during their lifetime, this cost-cutting government should not sweep mental health under the carpet because society deems it as an uncomfortable subject.'

Unite has made a raft of recommendations including greater tightening of the regulations regarding firearms, and cutting the paperwork that burden mental health practitioners, so freeing up more of their time for clients.



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