Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to NHS Digital's Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014, what assessment she has made of the factors contributing to attempted suicide rates of employment and support allowance claimants relative to the non-claimant population.

Suicide is a tragic and complex issue which we take extremely seriously. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours cause considerable distress to those it affects, and it is therefore important that we interpret any data about these issues accurately. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014, commissioned by NHS digital, makes no causal link between the claiming of benefit and the likelihood of suicide.

We recognise that many people claiming benefits, including Employment and Support Allowance, are particularly vulnerable and we continue to explore ways to improve the claimant journey, especially for those who have mental health conditions. We take mental health extremely seriously and have safeguards in place to ensure people are supported throughout the claiming process.