How many times have you said to yourself 'never again' as you arrive at work tired, dehydrated and hoping that a miracle combination cure of crisps and coke will counteract your dreadful hangover? That's if you even make it to work. The feeble phone call to the office confessing 24-hr food poisoning or flu is a temptation that sometimes cannot be resisted as you lay in bed in the recovery position.

It has been estimated by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry that alcohol misuse leads to 14 million days of absence each year, costing industries well over £2 billion. Those that courageously stagger into work also cost industries in many ways.

Whether an employee has a hangover or not, heavy drinking from the night before means alcohol is still in their system, subsequently effecting concentration and work performance. Aircraft pilots are forbidden to drink any alcohol eight hours before flying to eliminate any likelihood of impaired judgement.

Drinking during the working day is also a huge issue; alcohol depresses the brain and nervous system, jeopardising efficiency and safety as both concentration and reactions are affected. Slower reactions mean higher risks, as one in five accidents and over 50% of fatal accidents are alcohol related.

Whilst long boozy lunch meetings are slowly being replaced with breakfast meetings to make way for a health conscious lunch break at the gym, many employees still like to socialise and bond with their follow workers away from the workplace. A liquid lunch at the pub may only be a pint and a half, but three units of alcohol can make you 11% less efficient. After work drinks can escalate into heavy drinking sessions as employees are egged on by solidarity with follow workers, knowing that they won't be the only one feeling terrible the next day.

The pressure of social drinking is not the only cause of the alcohol problems in the workplace. Many workers drink as they have emotional struggles or are stressed with work; statistics have shown this is more common in men. It has also been noted that there has been increase of women who will exceed the 'sensible limit'; perhaps this is because there are more independent women socialising. Industries that have high alcohol consumption and problems include : hotel and catering industries, the shipping industry, the military and journalists. Availability of alcohol, lack of supervision and peer pressure may all be possible explanations as to why these occupations have a higher amount of alcohol problems.

Whilst there is no legislation in place to ensure employers implement an alcohol policy, it should be incorporated as a health and safety issue. An employee under the influence of alcohol is not only endangering his or her own safety but others around; this also includes

possible violent behaviour or misconduct in the workplace.

Alcohol can cause irritable, depressed and moody behaviour, all of which effect attitudes to work, customer service and towards fellow workers. Statistics show that an estimated 376,000 people suffered violence at work last year, a third of these incidents where alcohol related.

Therefore, having a code of conduct for alcohol is imperative to reduce the risk of accidents, unsatisfactory work performance and disrespect towards fellow colleagues. There are now recommended guides for companies to follow available from bodies such as Alcohol Concern and the Medical Council. They suggest the following key principles to achieve an effective policy.

* All employees should be forbidden to consume alcohol at work or bring alcohol into the workplace.

* All employees should be in a fit state to carry out their job in a safe and effective manner.

* Employees will be made aware that drinking before or during the day will seriously affect their work performance.

* The workplace is an alcohol free zone.

An effective policy will also include the employer's responsibility to recognise alcohol dependency as an illness and have a referral system put in place so that the employee will receive counselling and treatment. Providing training for managers in how to deal with alcohol misuse is also recommended to ensure that any disciplinary action taken is correctly instigated.

It is very important that employers and employees all understand the code of conduct and know that a system has been but in place. Employees should understand that they have a responsibility towards the health and safety act not to endanger themselves or others around them.

Recognising alcohol misuse as a health and safety issue means that industries can deal with the problems professionally and confidentially whilst maintaining productivity. Workers are more likely to admit or report alcohol abuse if it is a health and safety issue and not a taboo subject that no one wants to admit because of the fear of instant dismissal.

Awareness is needed within industries that having a code of conduct for alcohol will prevent accidents, poor performances, absent days and unpredictable behaviour. The latest reports show that 43% of firms still don't have a policy.

For further information contact The UK Trades Confederation on 020 8842 4442 or email mail@uktc.org visit www.uktc.org.

UK Trades Confederation bio

The UK Trades Confederation exists to help members increase their business, protect their company and reduce overheads. This is achieved through an extensive range of benefits and services that are continually reviewed and updated.

Membership of the UK Trades Confederation provides businesses with a recognised accreditation and customers with the peace of mind of knowing that you are dealing with a company that cares about its image and standards.

In addition, the Confederation provides up to the minute and invaluable information to its members on issues ranging from latest legislation to advice on running your business.

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