There are systematic socio-economic inequalities in suicide risk. Socio-economic position can be
defined in many ways – by job, class, education, income, or housing. Whichever indicator is used,
people in the lower positions are at higher risk of suicide. As you go down each rung of the social
ladder, the risk of suicide increases, even after taking into account underlying mental health
problems. There is debate over precisely how low social position increases suicide risk. Suggestions
include having many more adverse experiences, powerlessness, stigma and disrespect, social
exclusion, poor mental health and unhealthy lifestyles.
Unemployment in the UK is higher among men than women. This is related to the decline of
predominantly male types of employment, such as manufacturing. Men have also been affected by the general trend towards irregular work patterns, insecure or temporary work and self-employment, and
the current recession.