The risk of suicide among women employed in artistic, literary and media occupations face a 69-percent higher risk than the national average, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a report on Friday. ONS said there were 18,998 suicides in men and women aged between 20 and 64 years between 2011 and 2015 in Britain, equating to a rate of around 12 deaths for every 100,000 people per year. Males working in the lowest-skilled occupations had a 44 percent higher risk of suicide than the male national average. ONS said the risk of suicide among low-skilled male labourers, particularly those working in construction roles, was three times higher than the male national average. The risk of suicide was elevated for people in culture, media and sport occupations for males and in females the risk was 69 percent higher, with the risk highest among women working in artistic, literary and media occupations. ONS said the risk of suicide among female health professionals was 24 percent higher than the female national average; largely explained by high suicide risk among female nurses. The study also shows that individuals working in group with the highest salaries, such as managers, directors and senior officials, had the lowest risk of suicide. Among corporate managers and directors the risk of suicide was more than 70 percent lower for both sexes. Public Health England CEO Duncan Selbie, said, “Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, and more women are taking their own lives each year. Early action can stop any employees reaching a desperate stage. Simple actions can make a huge difference – talking with a manager or colleague can help people get the support they need, and ultimately save lives,” Selbie added.