A “significant rise” in the number of nurses in the UK experiencing suicidal thoughts is being driven by workplace pressures, according to new research from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
News
Workplace pressures driving rise in suicidal thoughts among nurses: RCN
By
on 06 June 2024
Since November 2023, there has been a 54 per cent increase in calls to the RCN’s advice line from nursing staff reporting that they are struggling with suicidal thoughts, said the union. It added that the number of calls from members in crisis rose from seven per month in April 2022 to 30 in April 2024.
The Royal College of Nursing said that calls to its advice line from nurses in crisis rose from seven a month in April 2022 to one a day in April 2024. Photograph: iStock/SolStock
Analysis of data from the union’s counselling service showed a “direct link” between suicidal thoughts and workplace pressures, said the RCN. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of nursing staff who had sought help for suicidal thoughts said that workplace pressures were a key factor, citing workload, formal proceedings, and bullying and harassment as stressors.
“It should be a moment of great shame that nursing staff are being pushed so hard at work that they feel suicidal,” said RCN acting general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger. “In every setting nursing staff are suffering, but governments and health leaders aren’t paying attention. NHS staff desperately need properly funded mental health support and for the underlying drivers of poor mental health, such as workforce pressures, to be tackled.”
A survey released by the UNISON union in April found that almost one-third of NHS employees had taken time off work due to mental health issues in the past year, prompting calls for the reinstatement of UK government funding for the provision of mental health and wellbeing hubs for NHS workers.
The Department of Health and Social Care has referred media enquiries about the RCN’s research to NHS England. NHS England did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Samaritans helps people struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. The charity can be contacted by telephone free-of-charge on 116 123, or by email at [email protected].
NEWS
Fatal accidents on long-term downward trend, says HSE as annual data is released
By Belinda Liversedge on 02 July 2025
HSE has warned against complacency after its annual statistics released today show that while fatalities have fallen, there are still areas of concern.
"This weather isn’t much fun if you’re stuck in an overheated workplace": heatwave advice for employers
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 July 2025
With Britain facing the first widespread heatwave this summer, the TUC is calling on employers to make sure their staff are protected from the sun and heat. The warning comes as an amber heat health alert has been extended in the South West by 15 hours as temperatures above 30C (86F) are forecast.
“One ill-judged behaviour can decimate a culture”: leaders debate leadership at SHW Live
By Belinda Liversedge on 20 June 2025
“Your behaviour [as a leader] and your words [are so important in creating] a safe space. People underestimate how much [those below you] are looking and watching you [as a role model],” Jonathon Gawthrop, Chair of the MIND charity Mental Health at Work Council said at SHW Live’s leadership panel. “One [ill-judged] behaviour can decimate a culture.”