Guide for those affected by suicide

A new guide to help employers respond appropriately when employees are affected by suicide was unveiled this afternoon.

Suicide bereavement charity Console and the Irish Hospice Foundation developed the guide, Breaking the Silence in the Workplace, in collaboration with the Irish Congress of Trades Unions (Ictu) and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec).

It offers advice on how to sensitively deal with the suicide of a work colleague or former work colleague, and how to support an employee affected by the suicide of someone close to them.

Speaking at the launch of the guide, David Begg, general secretary of Ictu, said it was vital that the modern workplace had in place “agreed systems and practices” to deal with the aftermath of a death by suicide. He said the guide would help achieve that.

“But we must also acknowledge there can be a link between working conditions and suicide and how improving these conditions can be beneficial for suicide prevention,” he said.

“This is of particular importance at a time when working people everywhere are under enormous pressure and suffering with the strain of the current crisis.”

Brendan McGinty, director of industrial relations and human resources at Ibec, described the guide as “comprehensive and practical” and said it would help companies cope and support their employees when dealing with the tragedy of suicide.

Ciaran Austin, director of services with Console, said the things people can do to help after a suicide are “often surprisingly simple”.

“When an employer adopts a proactive, informed and responsible approach to suicide in the workplace they ensure a safe, supportive and productive workplace for all their employees,” he said.

Copies of the guide can be downloaded from console.ie or hospice-foundation.ie or by contacting the Irish Hospice Foundation on 01-6793188 or Console on 01-6102638. Those who have been affected by suicide or who are concerned about a loved one can contact Console at 1800 201890 or through the website above.