Unions can take steps to support members in such situations, including addressing workplace issues like bullying and harassment, collaborating with employers on suicide prevention policies, and offering support to members seeking professional help.
NEU representatives may often be the first point of contact for members in distress. While they are not counsellors, they can provide valuable support and guidance in connecting members with the necessary professional assistance. It's crucial to remember that, in times of crisis, unions can play a pivotal role in promoting a supportive and compassionate workplace culture.
Studies have shown that particular work conditions can lead to an intensified risk of suicide, such as excessive workloads and long hours, Ofsted inspections, bullying etc. The HSE says that work-related factors may contribute to feelings of humiliation or isolation. An issue or combination of issues such as job insecurity, discrimination, work stressors and bullying may play their part in people becoming suicidal. Employers should be protecting their employees from these risks.
Waters & Palmer: Work-related suicide: a qualitative analysis of recent cases with recommendations for reform (University of Leeds 2021) is an in-depth study of 12 cases of workplace suicide, including two teachers. The NEU shares the concerns and criticisms in the report when it notes that “no data is collected on suicides that occur in the workplace or that are identified as work-related. There is currently no regulation or oversight of work-related suicides. Suicide is excluded from the health and safety framework that applies to all other work-related deaths.”
The report makes a number of recommendations for reform, including (amongst other things) that HSE make suicide reportable under the RIDDOR regulations, that HSE provide guidance to employers on suicide and that employers take ownership of the need to safeguard their employees from work conditions which create a heightened suicide risk (e.g. unmanageable workloads, excessive hours, bullying and PTSD).
Amongst Waters and Palmers’ other recommendations there is a call for the Government to bring in explicit and enforceable legal requirements which oblige employers to put suicide prevention measures in place and undertake a full and transparent investigation in the aftermath of a suicide that takes place in the workplace or is work-related.
Addressing work-related problems contributing to suicidal feelings can simultaneously enhance working conditions for all employees by tackling issues such as:
- Stress – the NEU offers an online stress survey for use in schools/colleges and across workplaces.
- Ofsted risk assessment – in some tragic cases, Ofsted has been identified as a contributory factor to suicides. In the case of Ruth Perry, the coroner found that a ‘rude and intimidating’ Ofsted inspection contributed to her suicide, a belief shared by her GP. The coroner also stated that unless action is taken there is a risk that future deaths could occur. The NEU has developed an Ofsted risk assessment to help employers, in consultation with the recognised trade unions, assess the extent of harm that may be caused by the Ofsted process and take practical steps to minimise these risks.
- Workload – this is a significant cause of work-related stress.