As per the estimates, 846 more men and 155 extra women took their lives between 2008 and
2010 than would have been expected if previous trends had continued.

Earlier studies have found unemployment increases the risk of suicide and non-fatal
self-harm.

Suicides are likely to increase during economic downturns.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ben Barr, of the University of Liverpool said that unemployment
blackspots has seen the biggest raise.

“We found a dramatic spike across England in the number of suicides in 2008 and 2009 after
the recession arrived,” said Dr. Barr who led the survey.

“The statistics are hugely alarming and behind each one is a personal tragedy for the
individual and their family,” he said.

“What we found was suicide rates rose in areas that were hotspots for unemployment,” he
added.
He showed his concern over economic forecasts suggesting employment is unlikely to return to
levels before the recession until after 2017.

“This research gives us credible evidence that the suicide rate in England is linked to the
current recession,” said Clare Wyllie, from the Samaritans.