A new report, released by addiction help and support service Port of Call, reveals that more than one-in-five (23%) people living in London believe their employer would terminate their contract if they admitted to a drug or alcohol problem.

 It appears that this perception isn’t putting people off seeking help, though – 40% of those surveyed said they wouldn’t be concerned about seeking professional help for fear it would hinder future job prospects.

 However, 49% did say they would likely keep their addiction treatment a secret.

Recent data* has shown that 1.3% of the adult population are alcohol dependent, if this is accurate it would mean a significant amount of people would be dismissed from their current roles.

 So, what are the rules around this issue? Interestingly, businesses reserve the right to set their own policies and guidelines. However, over a quarter (27%) of those surveyed said they didn’t know what their employer’s rules were or how they would react.

 The survey also revealed:

–   26% thought that their employer would offer them some time off to seek professional help

–   14% thought that they would be put on a warning and given a chance

–   18% had more faith in their employer, suggesting they would do something proactive to support them in their recovery

Port of Call founder Martin Preston commented on the report findings:

 “Most people who call us are in full-time employment and don’t want their employer to know they have an addiction problem, often for fear of losing their job.  Addiction is a shame-based illness and people can have a fear of being ‘found out’.

“We also take calls from employers who are trying to help a colleague, and often, even those with large HR and people teams, are unclear about what the firm’s stance really is.

“Most organisations have a zero- tolerance policy around alcohol and drug use, which they require for health and safety, yet rarely have awareness of, or access to, specialist addiction treatment services.

 “Some firms, thankfully, are more progressive and we’re retained by a number of larger employers who genuinely want to help their people. If you’re employing more than ten people, addiction is an issue that you’re almost certain to encounter.”

Port of Call’s report “Attitudes to Addiction in 2019” can be accessed in full by clicking here –  https://portofcall.com/information-guides/addiction-support/attitudes-to-addiction-in-2019/