Manchester based employment law experts, ELAS, have partnered with key speakers to host one of the UK’s most comprehensive conferences focussing on the impact of drugs and alcohol in the workplace on 4th December 2014.

The free half-day event aims to highlight the impact drugs and alcohol can have on the workplace environment and to accident and absence rates as well as provide guidance on how these risks can be managed effectively. Key speakers at the conference include; Lauren Booker, workplace programme manager at Alcohol Concern; Dr. Adam Winstock, consultant psychiatrist & addiction medicine specialist; behavioural psychologist Dr. Tim Marsh, and; Danny Clarke, head of occupational health and safety at ELAS.

Over the past decade, societal use of drugs and alcohol has changed dramatically. A recent survey of 1,500 workers commissioned by ELAS revealed a quarter admit to having worked under the influence of drugs or alcohol and almost as many stating they had driven into work while feeling over the drink drive limit. Commenting on the event, Danny Clarke, says: “There is never a valid excuse for arriving under the influence.

“Businesses may be inadvertently encouraging such behaviour, as many lack well-communicated policies in place covering both absences and drugs/alcohol abuse. With modern testing techniques and the ability to have clear, enforceable guidelines, there is absolutely no reason employees should feel they can get away with such practices. “We hope this event will raise awareness to a problem which is more prevalent than many employers think, not only highlighting the problem, but providing businesses with solutions.”