Workplace absences ‘could reduce with minimum alcohol prices’

Putting in place a minimum price for alcohol would help improve absence management as fewer days would need to be taken off work, delivering economic benefits, a new study has revealed.

Research commissioned by the Scottish government and carried out by Sheffield University showed that introducing a minimum price of 40p per unit, along with a ban on promotions, would also improve the health of individuals.

The report claimed that there would be 30,000 fewer absence days from work every year, which could help boost the productivity and performance of businesses, especially smaller ones where resources are fewer.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “It’s also clear that excessive drinking is bad for the economy and bad for industry – with many thousands of workdays lost each year through absenteeism.”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced the Pay and Work Rights helpline, which provides guidance for employees and employers in the hope of reducing personal stress, which could in turn minimise workplace absence.