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Sky News
13-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Nearly two-thirds of UK workers turning to drink because of job pressures, survey says
Some 64% of UK workers drink alcohol for work-related reasons, according to a survey. It's not just colleagues having a few pints at the end of the business day. Job stress, pressure and anxiety led employees to drink more over the past year, according to Alcohol Change UK. The research also found one in five workers drinks to deal with deadlines, while nearly 10% feel pressured to drink by their boss or colleagues. The charity now wants employers to move away from alcohol-based team building and social events so everyone can feel included. Jane Gardiner from Alcohol Change UK told Sky News: "We're not saying don't go to the pub, don't have after-work drinks, but try to be more inclusive and create sort of healthier, more inclusive workplaces, recognising that not everyone does drink for a variety of different reasons." Patrick Fox is a former city banker who gave up alcohol in 2018 after years of drunken nights out. He told Sky News his colleagues would often pressure him to drink, and he ended up prioritising going out over his romantic relationship. "I'd be going out drinking on a Thursday and Friday after work. That would probably continue into the weekend. So come Sunday afternoon I'd be feeling pretty terrible and dreading going to work on a Monday," he said. He added: "There's so many different businesses out there where alcohol is the focal point a lot of the time at team building exercises, so there is a pressure to be a part of that." Employee absence due to work-related drinking is estimated to cost England's economy £4bn per year. However, the number of adults drinking alcohol has decreased in recent years. According to the latest data, 56% of adults reported having an alcoholic drink in 2022, down from 61% in 2012. Generation Z has markedly turned away from booze, abstinence periods like Dry January have become more mainstream, and there has been a proliferation of no or low alcohol alternatives. 1:46 Dhati Holohan, sales director at Asahi UK, told Sky News: "What we are seeing is over 40% of adults in the UK are looking to moderate their alcohol consumption." One way drinkers are doing that is by switching in soft drinks. Ms Holohan added: "We are calling that zebra striping. So alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks. One in three adults in the UK are actually using that as a way to pace their consumption."
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Too many workplace cultures are putting alcohol at their heart, says Inverclyde MSP
It's Alcohol Awareness Week – and this year's theme is alcohol and work. Alcohol Change UK's website says that with longer hours, more stress, the blurring of lines between work and home, and too many workplace cultures placing booze rather than people at the centre of things, there are so many ways work and alcohol are linked. In many ways, there are already changes that have happened over time when it comes to work and alcohol. For example, it used to be commonplace for people to enjoy an alcoholic drink, or drinks, during their lunch break. That is much less common now. READ MORE: Councillor who went through prostate cancer battle urges others to seek support Inverclyde taxi driver shares dream of using his artistic talent to help others 'I lost a little bit of her every day': Greenock councillor on dealing with dementia 'No one took my pain seriously': Greenock woman waited years for endometriosis help Grassroots group for families affected by alcohol and drugs celebrate first year What is still commonplace for many workplace cultures, though, is going to the pub after work. That pressure to join in – not just to go along, but to drink alcohol – can be huge. For people with caring responsibilities, the majority of whom are women, this inability to take part or unwillingness to drink alcohol can feel like you're missing out or being a 'buzzkill'. This shows that alcohol is still deeply woven into our culture, and that many people use it to relax after a stressful day at work. This year's Alcohol Awareness Week theme is 'alcohol at work'. (Image: PA) Too often there is a conception that people living with drink dependency can't hold down a job – but when one in four people in the UK worry about their drinking, it's clear this is a myth. I'm not suggesting 25 per cent of the adult population in the UK have an alcohol addiction. However, these figures indicate that increasing numbers of people are concerned about the impact alcohol has in their lives. It's no wonder though, as alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 medical conditions, including high blood pressure, liver scarring, and cancers. Other research shows that alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Research shows that alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK. Governments across the UK therefore have a duty to help prevent alcohol-related harm, and many charities and community groups do fantastic work to help those affected by harmful drinking habits. For most of us, though, we don't need specialist support. But we do need to be more open about how alcohol impacts us, and try to foster healthier habits. The popularity of alcohol-free products shows that many people are looking for alternatives – whether that's alcohol-free beer, wine, spirits or mocktails. Locally, one idea that has been suggested to me is a 'sober bar' – which would give people a place to go that feels like a pub, but without the presence of alcohol. I would hope this can be successful, as it could also provide opportunities for more people to engage in their local area, and could reduce the sense of isolation some people in our community live with daily.
The Independent
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Staggering trend of workers ‘turning to alcohol' because of job stress revealed
Almost two thirds of workers are drinking more alcohol due of stress or pressures related to their job, new research has found. A survey of 2,000 workers by Alcohol Change UK found 64 per cent of UK workers reported drinking alcohol for work-related reasons - with job stress, pressure and anxiety behind increased consumption in the past 12 months. Four in 10 said they drank more alcohol due to work-related anxiety, while 38 per cent said they drank more to cope with work stress. Over a third drank more alcohol because of pressure or deadlines at work and 29 per cent reported increased alcohol consumption due to job insecurity Jane Gardiner, head of consultancy and training at research group Alcohol Change UK, said: 'Although the work we do is hugely varied, this research suggests that in the last year many of us have been drinking more alcohol in an attempt to manage work-related stress, anxiety, pressure and job insecurity. 'Yet, from poor sleep and hangovers to high blood pressure, depression and other health conditions, alcohol can take a big toll on our health and wellbeing. 'While it may offer short-term relief for some, over time it's more likely to worsen feelings of stress, anxiety and pressure and lead to a cycle of self-medicating that can be hard to break free from, even if we want to.' The research has been released to mark the start of Alcohol Awareness Week, and found demand from employees for preventative action and education around alcohol at work. This year's theme 'Alcohol and work' focuses on how work environments and pressures can influence the way we drink, and how we can build healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures. More than 8 in 10 of the workers surveyed believed employers have some responsibility to address alcohol in the workplace - but over a third said they feel more comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace than alcohol. Ms Gardiner added: 'Mirroring the progress seen in mental health in the workplace in recent years to drive conversations, boost compassion and support and reduce stigma, it's so encouraging to see such strong appetite for alcohol awareness and education from workers. 'What's hugely positive is that employees appear to recognise that preventative, proactive action is where alcohol factors in – above reactive action when an issue presents itself. 'It's this kind of support that will start to make alcohol less of a taboo subject, raise awareness of the impact of our drinking habits on our overall health and wellbeing and prevent avoidable alcohol harm before it happens.'
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mixing sunny days and alcoholic beverages could take a toll on your health
While sunshine and alcohol seem like a match made in heaven to many of us, the combination can have some unexpected, and potentially harmful, effects on your health We Brits are known for our love of a chilled bevvy as soon as the sun makes an appearance – be it a can in the park or a pint in the pub garden. However, while basking in the sun with a drink in hand may seem like the perfect summer scenario to many, this combination can have some surprising and potentially damaging effects on your health. From accelerating dehydration to heightening your risk of sunburn and impairing judgement in the heat, the consequences of mixing sunshine and alcohol are more serious than most realise. In light of Alcohol Awareness Week (July 7–13), the following advice from experts will help you - and us - understand exactly what impact drinking in the sun can have on our bodies, and have compiled some handy tips to help mitigate these risks. Dehydration "Dehydration is the main culprit when it comes to consuming alcohol in the sunshine, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue, and in some instances requiring medical intervention," points out Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK. Dr Ajay Bagga, senior GP leader at Nuffield Health, concurs and elaborates: "This is because alcohol functions as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more and lose vital fluids. Combine this with sweating from the heat, and the risk of dehydration escalates rapidly." On particularly hot days, Piper emphasises that the safest course of action is to abstain from alcohol entirely. However, if that's not feasible, he suggests alternating between alcoholic drinks and water. "This method, known as zebra striping, slows down our alcohol consumption and keeps us topped up with the fluids we need to prevent the dehydration double whammy of alcohol and hot weather," explains Piper. "If it's really hot, consider two glasses of water for one glass of alcohol." Bagga also suggests always having a refillable water bottle on hand during the summer months and taking regular sips, even if you're not feeling parched. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion Heatwaves can be perilous in their own right – and adding alcohol into the equation can further heighten your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. "Alcohol impairs your body's ability to sense and regulate temperature," explains Bagga. "Combined with high heat, this can lead to heat exhaustion – or worse, heat stroke, which can be life-threatening." To help mitigate this risk, try to stay in the shade during peak UV times, when the sun's rays are at their most potent. "Minimise this risk by avoiding alcohol during the hottest part of the day (typically 11am–3pm) and sticking to shaded or air-conditioned areas," advises Bagga. "If you feel dizzy, confused, or nauseous, stop drinking immediately and seek shade, hydration or medical attention if needed." Sleep Excessive heat and alcohol can adversely affect both the quantity and quality of our sleep. "While the sleep-inducing effect of booze can help us drop off, alcohol suppresses the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) part of our sleep cycle, which makes for a less restful slumber," says Piper. "Put all of this together and we can wake up feeling more tired than when we went to bed; and with a sore head to boot. One of the most effective ways to prevent alcohol from wreaking havoc on our sleep is to stop drinking earlier in the day." "Stopping drinking earlier in the day and only having water after, say 9pm, can help prevent alcohol from playing too much havoc with our sleep in the hot weather," said Piper, advising moderation for better Z's. "We can also keep track of how much alcohol we're consuming throughout the day using an app like Try Dry. "By logging our drinks, we can see how many units we've consumed and decide to call time on our boozing and rehydrate earlier before we go to bed, hopefully enabling a more restful night's sleep," he adds. Sunburn and skin damage "Alcohol lowers your awareness, meaning you might forget to reapply sunscreen or stay in the sun too long," warns Bagga, linking booze to increased risk of sunburn. "It also widens blood vessels, increasing your skin's sensitivity to UV damage." The experts stress the importance of diligent sun protection: "Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before heading out and reapply every two hours," Bagga recommends, cautioning against overestimating cloud cover. "Don't rely on clouds for protection, UV rays can still cause damage on overcast days." Impaired judgement and increased injury risk "Many summer activities can involve physical movement and potential hazards such as water sports or rooftop gatherings," Bagga points out. "Alcohol impairs coordination and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of accidents or injury. "Minimise this risk by never mixing alcohol with swimming, boating, or cycling and keep at least one sober person in your group who can assist in case of emergencies." Moreover, this summer could be the perfect opportunity to explore some non-alcoholic alternatives. "While booze and hot weather might trigger associations for us, we don't have to act on those associations like Pavlov's dogs," suggests Piper. "Enjoy a cold alcohol-free beer and keep drinking plenty of water, and you'll feel a whole lot better."
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Booze makes my face turn red - this GP-approved remedy has saved my insecurities
I thought I had an allergy to alcohol when I saw my cheeks flush bright red after a drink, but it turns out there's a unique term to describe my ailment and a GP-approved way to avoid it. When I had my first-ever alcoholic drink, I started to turn red. I never understood the reason behind it, and kept drinking until someone asked me: 'Why are you so red?'. Then I learnt the meaning behind the so-called 'Asian flush', and now I wonder if there's a way to stop it. The ' Asian flush ', also known as the 'Asian glow' is a condition in which a person develops flushes on their neck, shoulders, ears, and in some cases, their entire body after consuming alcoholic beverages. It got so bad that at one point, I even thought I was allergic to booze. This so-called alcoholic flush comes from an inherited deficiency in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), as explained by Science Direct. The build-up of acetaldehyde leads the blood vessels to dilate, which is where the 'Asian flush' comes from. As reported by Alcohol Change UK, not only does one's face become red, but it is also accompanied by nausea, headaches, itching, vomiting and a fast heart rate. It was also found that those intolerant to alcohol have a higher risk of affecting their overall health, including cancer and other diseases. My symptoms have triggered my insecurities and limited my drinking habits and I know I'm not alone. Dr Farah Ahmed, a NHS GP told the Mirror: "[Asian flush] affects an estimated 30-50% of East Asians globally, and with people of East and Southeast Asian heritage making up about 1.5% of the population in England and Wales (2021 Census), it's likely that tens of thousands in the UK are affected." Is there a cure for 'Asian flush'? To keep it plain and simple, no, there isn't a cure for 'Asian flush'. The only solution to avoid the flush from ruining your night is to stop drinking at all, experts have warned. However, there are remedies, which involve taking medication, such as Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet, although they can impose some health risks. Dr Farah Ahmed added: "Some young people use over-the-counter medications like Pepcid (famotidine) to reduce facial redness, but this only masks the visible symptoms and does not prevent the harmful internal effects, including an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers such as oesophageal cancer." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Continuing to consume alcoholic beverages during a flush reaction can lead to the build-up of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic by product of alcohol metabolism. 'The concern with this practice is that it can create a false sense of safety, as acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, still accumulates in the body," she explained. Whilst there isn't a cure for my Asian flush, the most effective way to manage and avoid the redness is to to limit alcohol intake or quit drinking altogether. Plus, going sober has multiple benefits, including better sleep, improved mental health and improved skin health. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
