THE lowest-paid workers are at a greater risk of suicide, a mental health charity has claimed.

Research from the Mental Health Foundation Scotland warns of the link between low pay, job insecurity and mental health problems.

The foundation’s Poverty and Mental Health report claims unemployment, “bad” employment and in-work poverty are harmful to physical health and associated with poorer mental health and higher death rates.

The charity called on employers to support workers with mental health problems to retain their jobs, particularly during bouts of ill health.

Mental health problems cost Scottish employers more than £2 billion each year, the foundation said, but across the UK sickness absence counts for just under a third of the cost, with the main financial impact stemming from presenteeism – when staff are at work but are underperforming. Employers should offer “reasonable adjustments” for workers with mental health problems, the charity said.

Foundation head Lee Knifton said: “The vast majority of people with mental health conditions are in employment. But it’s rewarding and suitable work, rather than just any job, that fosters good mental health – work that provides a living wage, security and integrated health and work support. We need a major cultural shift in our workplaces.”