Composite J (covering Motions 63 & 64)
Suicide & Mental Health Prevention & Awareness
“That this Congress notes with alarm the rising number of suicides and suicide attempts, particularly by people within the working age population.
“Congress notes with concern that the occupations with the highest risk of suicide and suicide attempts, include health care, education and other public sector workers, and construction.
“Congress further notes that a recent Mental Health white paper produced by On The Tools, titled Behind The High Vis, highlighted that 7000 Construction workers have taken their own lives in Britain in the last 10 years. This confirms that we are amid a mental health and suicide crisis within this sector.
“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 are leading to a mental health emergency within the profession.
“Congress asserts that the mental health and wellbeing of workers across all sectors is a critical factor for a productive and healthy workforce.
“Congress also notes there have been positive steps by some employers via Employee Assistance Programmes and partnership working with trade unions organising awareness sessions for employees, however this appears not to be adequate.
“Congress recognises issues such as addictions, including alcohol, drugs, and gambling, declining workplace conditions, increased workloads and increasing financial pressures are major contributory factors in poor mental health and suicide across all sectors. With the NHS mental health supports at crisis point, there is more that can be done by trade unions and employers to support workers through this crisis.
“Congress therefore believes that unions have a critical role to play in advocating for effective strategies and support systems that address suicide prevention and raise awareness in the workplace.
“Congress calls on the STUC General Council to:
- campaign for fully-funded mandatory Mental Health First Aid Training in all workplaces that includes suicide prevention and awareness;
- work with affiliates to ensure that suicide awareness and prevention are campaigning and bargaining priorities in all workplaces;
- work with government, HSE, employers and affiliates to promote mental health awareness and prevent suicides;
- promote research on mental health and suicide, it’s causes and effects across all sectors;
- lobby for increased funding for mental health services that are accessible and available to all workplaces and sectors; and
- support national campaigns to ensure work-related suicides are investigated by HSE and the RIDDOR regulations are amended to included work-related ill-health.”
Mover: NASUWT
Seconder: East Kilbride & South Lanarkshire Trades Council
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