Published: 23rd June 2023 - All information correct at time of publication.
Alcohol charity Alcohol Change UK host the annual Alcohol Awareness Week; this year taking place from 3rd – 9th July. At SYNLAB Laboratory Services we provide workplace Drug & Alcohol testing and want to actively promote this important week in the calendar and the resources that Alcohol Change produce. This year the official theme is ‘Alcohol and cost’ and you can find out more here.
Being aware of alcohol consumption is very important, especially if you work within an industry where regular Drug & Alcohol testing takes place to protect personnel, the business and the wider public. Below you will find some alcohol related statistics and also a helpful reminder of the units in some popular alcoholic beverages to help you know your limits.
Alcohol statistics
- Alcohol use costs the UK economy more than £7 billion annually (1)
- Alcohol use costs 167,000 working days (1)
- 25% of people say that drugs or alcohol have affected them at work (2)
- 81.7% of dependent drinkers are not accessing treatment (3)
1. Public Health England (2016), 2. Public Health Dashboard 2018, 3. Considerate Constructors Scheme (2016)
Alcohol Units
- Wine – Large glass of red/white/rosé wine (250ml ABV 12%) 3 units
- Lager – Can of larger/beer/cider (440ml ABV 5.5%) 2 units
- Shots – Single shot of spirits (25ml ABV 40%) 1 unit
- Fizz – A glass of champagne/prosecco (125ml ABV 12%) 1.5 units
- Alcopop – (275ml ABV 5.5%) 1.25 units
- Liqueur – Glass of cream liqueur (50ml ABV 17%) 0.9 units
*Average percentages & unit measurements. Figures will vary based on consumption & brand.
SYNLAB Laboratory Services can support your organisation’s proactive commitment to the health and safety of individual employees, co-workers and customers by introducing drug and alcohol testing. We offer a range of different testing methods to meet your individual business needs. Find out more here.
