§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if a date has now been agreed for the publication of the document "The Problem Drinker at Work"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe Health and Safety Executive is publishing the document, "The Problem Drinker at Work", today. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. The document has been prepared jointly by the 407W HSE, the Department of Employment, and the Health Departments of Great Britain. It provides guidance on joint management and trade union co-operation to assist people with drinking problems. My right hon. Friends in their preface commend it to all employers and work people, and hope that it will be widely studied and discussed.
Studies show that most people with drinking problems are in regular empioyment. We believe, therefore, that much can be done at the work place to help change harmful drinking habits. We are encouraged by the example already set in this field by firms in the drinks industry, and other major firms. We hope that the document published today will encourage many more firms to recognise the role they can play in helping prevent alcohol misuse.
"The Problem Drinker at Work" is concerned with one important area of prevention and intervention to help problem drinkers. The issue of a further discussion document on the wider problems of alcohol misuse is currently under consideration.