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Alcohol Concern has called for an increased focus on alcohol-related issues in the workplace in an attempt to improve employee wellbeing and productivity.

Loss of productivity or absences because of alcohol costs the economy up to 14 million working days and around £6.4 billion each year while up to 200,000 people go to work with a hangover every day, according to Government research.

Alcohol Concern has written to Vince Cable, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, recommending that a specific policy on alcohol to be included as a requirement in the Corporate Governance Code.

Under this Code, listed companies are required to put forward a framework for risk to be assessed and managed, and they must ensure that the necessary human resources are in place to meet business objectives and obligations to shareholders.

The alcohol misuse charity is also writing directly to the chairmen of FTSE 250 firms to put forward a solution to alcohol-related issues in the workplace.

Alcohol Concern has joined forces with BreathScan, a specialist in alcohol in the workplace, to develop strategies to tackle this trend.

BreathScan found that just one fifth of FTSE 250 companies have clear alcohol awareness policies. Six of the companies stated that they have no plans to implement such a policy in the future. Another two said that they would only do so if forced by law.

It is estimated that up to ten million men and women in Britain drink more than the recommended guidelines. Men are advised not to drink more than 21 units of alcohol and women no more than 14 units per week.

Eric Appleby, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: 'Companies simply have to address attitudes to alcohol and drinking behaviours - it is costing the economy billions every year. The evidence is that boards are not taking the issue seriously and that's why we are calling on the Government to include alcohol policy as a specific requirement under the Corporate Governance Code. This will help improve the wellbeing of employees, and at the same time, improve efficiency and productivity.'

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