Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics
show that suicide rates, which had fallen consistently since 1981, have
been climbing since 2007 and are now at their highest in over a decade.
It is primarily male suicides which have increased.
The figures for 2013 give a total of 6,233 deaths by suicide, 252 more than in 2012.
Suicide rates appear to be highest in areas of high unemployment, with the North-East having the highest rate and London the lowest.
Older males are now the most at risk, with 45-59 year olds having the highest rate.
The link between benefits issues and increased suicide risk is being highlighted by charities such as Mind.
Speaking to the Guardian, Tom Pollard, policy and campaigns manager at Mind, said:
“Pressurising people by threatening to
stop their benefits causes a great deal of financial problems and
emotional distress, with some people attempting to take their own lives
as a result.”