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UK Industry loses billions to drink and drugs

Released on = August 10, 2005, 9:57 am

Press Release Author = Zenith PR

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = A recent report shows that over £12 billion is lost each year to drink and drugs in the UK work industry.

Press Release Body = PROMIS, a leading addiction and recovery centre found that 75% of alcoholics in
full-time employment, and up to 15% of those in upper management, are reliant upon drink and drugs.

These findings are mirrored by a 2003 national newspaper report where it was found that around 14 million working days are lost every year through alcohol and drug related illnesses, and people with substance abuse problems are between two and
eight times more likely to be absent from work for more than a week than those without such problems.

As well as the financial loss, there are other issues involved. Addiction in the work place can lead to low productivity and poor performance. Alcohol and drug abuse accounts for 25% of all accidents at work.

In 1991, the Cannon Street rail crash led to the introduction of the Transport and Works Act 1992, which made it a criminal act for transport workers to be unfit because of drink and drugs. And now many employers, particularly those who work in safety critical jobs, are looking at drug testing as a justifiable procedure.

Drug testing in the workplace is common in the USA, and there have been suggestions from senior UK policy makers that it should be more widely adopted by UK companies.

Preventx, a north east-based drug testing kit distributor, has devised a number of drug testing kits for employers to be able to test their workforce.

Polly Everette, Preventx managing director said:

"The aim of drug testing in the work place isn't to catch people out, but to give help and assistance before it's too late. Employers should have policies in place whereby if an employee did test positive, they can receive help and counseling immediately."

She added:

"The majority of the UK's working population will use mind-altering drugs at some point. These drugs may be legal, illegal or prescription, but all can potentially
impact on professional competence and safety."

For further information on drugs and alcohol in the work place, you can visit the government's online website at www.drugs.gov.uk <http://www.drugs.gov.uk>
<http://www.drugs.gov.uk/> and for information on Preventx drug testing kits click
on www.preventx.co.uk <http://www.preventx.co.uk> <http://www.preventx.co.uk> .

Web Site = http://www.preventx.co.uk

Contact Details = Zenith Public Relations

Media Contact: Stephen Davies

Tel: 0790 4444229

Email: stephend@zenithpr.co.uk