The highest rate of deaths by suspected suicide was in people where employment status was recorded as unemployed (114.1 per 100,000). This was statistically significantly higher than any other employment status group and over 12 times higher than the next highest group which was people who were retired (9.2 per 100,000). However, it should be noted that in 20% of deaths by suspected suicide the employment status was unknown. This could affect the findings (by increasing or decreasing the rate) if those who had unknown employment status were more likely or less likely to be unemployed.
From these data you can conclude that the rate of deaths by suspected suicide was statistically significantly higher in people who were reported to be unemployed compared with any other employment status group.
Figure 7. Deaths by suspected suicide, by employment status*, crude rate per 100,000, aged 16+, Welsh residents, 2022/23
Produced by Public Health Wales Observatory, using RTSSS data and Economic activity status data (ONS)
*72 cases had an unknown employment status therefore are not included