The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) who are a leading think tank is calling for an increase on taxes for alcoholic drinks as drinking within the workplace has become a “national economic problem.”
Research conducted by the IPPR has found that almost one in three workers have called in sick after drinking at work events.
This soared to 43% for those aged between 18 to 24-year-olds and more than a third of young workers feel they are under to pressure to drink to “fit in” within the office.
The IPPR survey found that one in five workers have worked with a hangover and 29% of people have seen their colleagues look “tired or sluggish,” by drinking too much.
The IPPR is urging the government to take action on the “cheapest, strongest drinks which cause the most harm.”
The report states that a minimum unit price on all alcohol has started in Wales and Scotland and may be introduced in England.
Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at IPPR said, “We often think of alcohol harm as a public health issue, but this research shows it’s a national economic problem,” said Dr Jamie O’Halloran, senior research fellow at the thinktank.
When nearly half of young professionals are calling in sick after workplace drinking, it’s not just a hangover, it’s a productivity crisis. If the government is serious about growth, it needs to take alcohol harm seriously too.
Sebastian Rees, head of health at IPPR said, “Employers have a huge opportunity here.
“By shifting away from alcohol-centric cultures and offering real support, they can boost wellbeing, improve performance, and build more inclusive workplaces.
“This isn’t about banning drinks — it’s about giving people the choice to thrive without pressure. The evidence is clear: doing nothing is costing us all.”
A Government spokesperson said, “As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we are supporting people to make healthier choices through our shift from sickness to prevention as we build an NHS fit for the future.
“This includes committing to introducing a mandatory requirement for alcoholic drinks to display consistent nutritional information and health warning messages.
“The Government has also provided an additional £310 million to improve drug and alcohol treatment services and wider recovery support, including on housing and employment help.”
