This prospective cohort study assessed associations between involuntary job loss, mortality and serious illness over 8 years. The cohorts comprised workers from two meat-processing plants in Hawkes Bay, one which closed in 1986 (n = 1,945), and one which remained open until 1994 (n = 1,767). There was 96% complete follow-up for both cohorts. The relative risk of serious self-harm leading to hospitalisation or death was significantly increased for workers who had been made redundant (RR 2.47; 95% CI: 1.04-5.89). For workers made redundant the risk of admission to hospital with a mental health diagnosis was also significantly increased (RR 1.17; 95% CI: 0.68-2.01). None of the other findings were significant. The authors concluded that involuntary job loss increased the risk of mental distress leading to serious self-harm.
