Received from: NASUWT
Congress notes with alarm the rising number of suicides and suicide attempts, particularly by people within the working age population.
Congress further notes with concern that the occupations with the highest risk of suicide and suicide attempts, include health care, education and other public sector workers.
Congress is deeply alarmed at the survey results of NASUWT members that shows teaching had adversely affected their mental health and that the pressures of the job is leading to a mental health emergency within the profession.
Congress asserts that the mental health and wellbeing of workers across all sectors are critical factors of a productive and healthy workforce.
Congress therefore believes that unions have a critical role to play in advocating for effective strategies and support systems that address suicide prevention and awareness in the workplace.
Congress calls on the TUC to:
i. campaign for fully funded mandatory mental first aid training that includes suicide prevention and awareness in all workplaces
ii. work with affiliates to ensure that suicide awareness and prevention are campaigning and bargaining priorities in all workplaces
iii. lobby for increased funding for mental health services that is accessible and available to all workplaces and sectors.
NASUWT