The GMB have issued guidelines to assist reps dealing with members contemplating suicide.
This guidance deals with an extremely sensitive issue that, as it points out, very few reps will have to deal with.
However, precarious employment, in work poverty and other workplace factors such as bullying, harassment and victimisation can have adverse effects on the mental health and well-being of all workers, particularly the most vulnerable, those who have suffered poor mental health whether related to work or not. This may mean that reps will encounter members suffering increasingly severe mental health issues.
The modern world of work may deliver increased returns and greater efficiency for employers but potentially at a significant and tragic cost to employees and their families.
It is sad that the GMB has felt the need to issue guidance of this type but it is another example of trade unions taking the lead in addressing difficult workplace issues, equiping reps to deal with the impact of unreasonable employers demands and helping to ensure as far as possible suicides can be prevented.
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