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MPs urged by charity to make employers aware of the dangers of workplace drinking

MPs must encourage employers to become more aware of the dangers of workplace drinking and also tackle their own unhealthy drinking culture, which exists in the House of Commons, charity Alcohol Concern has said.

It is warning employers across the UK, they face similar levels of unhealthy drinking in their own workplaces, and are urging them to act accordingly.

Two-thirds (60%) of MPs said they would be surprised to learn that the average death from liver disease is 25 years younger than the average death from heart disease, stroke or lung disease, the report found.

It also showed more than half of the 150 MPs surveyed, said they would be surprised to hear that only 6% of people with alcohol dependence receive treatment.

Lauren Booker, workplace programme manager for Alcohol Concern said: "We know that employers identify alcohol as a major threat to employee wellbeing but the majority do not have an alcohol policy in place.

"Often, employers do want to be responsible and support their staff, but knowing where to start can be a daunting prospect.

"The key is to work proactively rather than reactively, starting with an open and frank discussion about alcohol as the basis for an effective alcohol policy."

Dr Emily Finch, clinical director, addictions CAG, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust said: "This research clearly points to the fact that MPs like the rest of the population, underestimate the health risks related to regular and continued mis-use of alcohol.

"It's imperative that those who are setting the agenda in terms of policy are better informed, as only then will attitudes change; and only then will we improve treatment rates for alcohol dependency beyond the current 6%."