By Christian Abbott
Copyright birminghammail
New data has found that one in three UK workers have called in sick after work drinks – ahead of the traditional Christmas party. The finding by the IPPR think tank found that staff are under pressure to drink in work-related settings against their wishes. This is despite generational changes, with younger workers drinking far less than older staff members. Read more: Best hack to avoid £4 Virgin Media broadband price increase It also highlighted the restaurant chain Wagamama for replacing alcohol-centred staff socials with non-alcoholic events. The survey analysed 2,083 working-age UK adults and found that 32 per cent of workers had called in sick the next day after drinking at a work event. A total of 41% of 18- to 24-year-olds had been too hungover to work, while 47% of 25- to 34-year-olds reported the same. Meanwhile, 22% of staff in education and 24% in health and social care had cried off work the next day after drinking at or after work in the past six months. And 28% think drinking at work events excludes non-drinkers or creates cliques. The think tank said: “Even as drinking habits shift, cultural pressures in the workplace continue to drive harm.” Sebastian Rees, the thinktank’s head of health, added: “On one hand, gen Z are drinking less than previous generations, and some employers are taking welcome steps to move away from alcohol-centred work events. “Yet the UK’s professional culture remains deeply rooted in drinking. A pint after work, a glass of wine at a networking event or a social at the pub still sit at the heart of many careers.” Join our dedicated BirminghamLive WhatsApp community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can also sign up to our Money Saving Newsletter which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on the cost of living, including DWP and HMRC changes, benefits, payments, banks, bills and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.