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 respnse 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.
ENDS
Notes to news editors:
For further information please contact Dave Munday on 07918 630
700 and/or Unite communications officer Shaun Noble on 07768 693
940
