Debt Collectors Causing Spike in UK Suicides: Report

A report released Wednesday by researchers at the University of Brighton claims that intimidating debt collectors acting after irresponsible lending and borrowing have contributed to a recent increase in suicides in the United Kingdom.

The report noted that “Debt clients frequently feel humiliated, disconnected and entrapped, with the process of debt collection having a clear impact on people’s mental health.”

The university report was released the same day as a separate government study that showed a significant increase in suicides in the country in 2011.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 7.8 percent increase in suicides in the UK from 2010 to 2011, with most of the increase centered on the middle-aged male population.

Brighton researchers recommended that “The government must take urgent action to tackle the problem of irresponsible lending and intimidatory collection tactics which has left thousands of people trapped in a spiral of debt and at risk of depression and even suicide.”