Overview

• A representative Public First survey of 2,083 working-age adults found about one in three UK workers called in sick after work-related drinking in the past year.
• Younger staff were most affected, with roughly 41–43% of 18–24-year-olds reporting sick days after work events and more than a third feeling pressured to drink.
• IPPR is calling for a restored alcohol duty escalator, duty based on alcohol strength across products, and minimum unit pricing in England ahead of the Autumn Budget.
• The government pointed to its 10-year health plan, including mandatory labelling on alcoholic drinks and £310 million for treatment services, without endorsing the IPPR package.
• Industry groups, including the British Beer & Pub Association, warned higher duties would damage pubs and producers and urged tax cuts instead.