Training consultants call for action on alcohol education

The largest Government approved provider of alcohol education courses for drink drivers in England and Wales believes it is time for businesses to tackle the problem of alcohol and drug abuse among employees.

According to Telford Training Consultants (TTC), many thousands of pounds are lost each year in employee absences, reduced work performance and increased accidents - and chief executives can find themselves in the dock if they fail to act.

"Stress, excessive work pressure, unsociable hours, monotony at work, family problems – there are many reasons for someone starting to drink more and eventually to develop a drink or drug problem," said Jenny Feehan, a director of TTC, in an open letter to businesses in the Shropshire area. "A business suffers when an employee puts in a below par day after celebrating or consuming alcohol the night before, phones in sick after a heavy drinking session or comes to work with a hangover."

Over the past ten years TTC has dealt with many thousands of convicted drink drivers – almost one in five caught the next day either travelling to work or while at work. They come from all walks of life and many of them are convicted unwittingly.

"Few realise the impact on their lives, both professionally and personally, of a drink drive conviction," Jenny Feehan added. "Many are given misleading information about how much alcohol they are consuming before they get behind the wheel, while others do not realise that a night’s sleep does not always clear the body of alcohol."

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1999, employers have a duty to assess risks to the health and safety of employees.

TTC says it is often asked about making information more available to industry and as a result now offers workshops in the workplace to assist responsible employers to fulfil their duties under health and safety.

"The courses are stimulating, engaging, entertaining and easy to understand," Jenny concluded. "The training is certified and comes with clear guarantees to increase knowledge to everyone."

For more information please contact Jenny Feehan at TTC on 01952 292246, email train@ttc-uk.com or visit the website at
www.ttc-uk.comu