Public health: unemployment causes 14,000 deaths per year

Unemployment affects 10.6% of the working population, and has increased significantly since 2008. More and more people find themselves in complicated financial situations, but not only that. The social affairs and health section of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) warns of the many consequences of unemployment on the health of these unemployed people.

According to a study by Inserm (SUIVIMAX), 14,000 deaths per year could be attributed to it. Put in perspective with the number of road deaths (3464 deaths), the statistics are edifying. Unemployment is in particular an additional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, certain chronic diseases, or cancers.

Unemployment figures (CESE infographic)

To explain this observation, Professor Pierre Meneton, research director at Inserm, indicates that the unemployed have “risky behavior”. On average, “they consume more alcohol, less fruit and vegetables, and have a very significantly higher caloric intake (excluding alcohol) than the average”.

1.5% increase in suicide rate

Psychological factors are also essential. The social impact of job loss promotes separation in couples and social isolation. The pressure from those around them is strong: if we are to believe the polls *, 60% of those questioned believe that the unemployed could find a job if they really wanted to, and the French are less and less likely to think that the State cares enough about the most deprived (73% in 1994, 46% today).

Result: depression often sets in: 24% of men and 26% of women report being depressed or anxious. A 10% increase in unemployment would be linked to a 1.5% increase in the suicide rate **. To remedy all these consequences, the EESC has today presented its recommendations. He would like major epidemiological studies to be set up to assess the health impact and risk factors with greater precision.

It also recommends the establishment of support, dismissal rules, through information and implementation, but also by offering psychological support to each person who wishes, when received by Pôle emploi. . The public establishment is also encouraged to train its employees so that they are able to identify risky situations, for preventive reasons.

Survey by the Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions (CREDOC)