After work drinking affects business, say employers

One-third of Liverpool-based employers believe they should take an interest in the drinking exploits of their staff outside working hours.

A survey of 300 businesses by the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, found that respondents who do take an interest believe alcohol has a negative effect on their business.

More than half of respondents also claim that alcohol contributes to sick leave among their employees.

While most respondents have an alcohol policy, a quarter either want to implement or revamp their strategies.

Alcohol policies commonly include not being drunk while at work or while entertaining, and not drinking alcohol two hours before work.

Keith Gorman from Health@Work, the charity which commissioned the research, said: "As alcohol consumption levels continue to increase we aim to support employers to positively deal with workplace problems while our wide programme of work will make a real impact with employees."

Dr Paula Grey, director of Public Health for Liverpool, said: "Looking at these survey results, awareness needs to be raised about existing alcohol policies and support structures within organisations. It highlights the importance of revisiting strategies regularly to make sure they are still appropriate and sufficient."