GROWING WOKPLACE PRESSURES INCREASE RISK OF SUICIDE

9 Sep 2011

Congress has warned that there needs to be a far greater awareness and recognition of the causes of workplace stress and on how it can contribute to suicide.

On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Congress Legal Affairs' Officer Esther Lynch said that the connection between workplace stress and suicide were well-established.

"Surveys and research have established a link between workplace stress and suicide and, in the current climate, it is almost certain that stress and worry in the workplace is on the rise. It may be fear of job loss, loss of earning or pressure to work longer hours, but they all contribute.

"With unemployment at record levels and bad news on jobs being heard daily, there is little doubt that people at work are feeling increased pressure and stress. And that will undoubtedly lead to an increased risk of suicide. Indeed, it is no accident that a recent report found suicide levels have risen in both Ireland and Greece," Ms Lynch said.

"Pressure has increased on people both inside and outside work given the record levels of debt that obtain. For people in and out of work there is an incredible level of worry and anxiety about mounting debts and the fear of home loss," she explained.

Ms Lynch said that Congress has consistently called for a statutory, independent Office for Debt Resolution to ensure those with debt problems could avail of fair balance between the right of the creditor to recover their loans and the right of the indebted person and their family to live with dignity during the repayment period.

"The Office for Debt Resolution will enable the over-indebted person to come to an arrangement with his or her creditors to repay as much of their debts as possible over a specific time period whilst retaining a reasonable minimum income," Ms Lynch said.

Congress is currently carrying out a survey on workplace stress.