Overview

• IPPR’s report, based on a representative survey of 2,083 adults, finds about one in three UK workers called in sick after work-related drinking over the past year.
• Young workers are most affected, with 43% of 18- to 24-year-olds reporting such absences and many feeling pressure to drink to fit in or advance.
• The survey reports 22% worked while hungover and 29% observed sluggish colleagues, with heavy drinkers about three times more likely to show presenteeism.
• Ahead of the Autumn Budget, IPPR urges restoring the alcohol duty escalator, standardising duty by alcohol strength, and introducing minimum unit pricing in England.
• The British Beer & Pub Association warned duty hikes would be harmful to pubs and called for cuts, as the government cited its 10-year health plan, proposed labelling, and £310m for treatment services.