Swanswell’s substance misuse training for employers rolled out nationally
A Swanswell and ACAS training course helping businesses tackle substance misuse in the workplace is being rolled out nationally due to popular demand.
‘Understanding drug and alcohol use: an employer’s guide’ was created by Swanswell - a national recovery charity which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use - to help organisations identify and appropriately address problem alcohol and drug use.
British industry loses £6.4 billion per year due to sickness caused by alcohol use and £1.4 billion per year due to drug use1. Employers are also faced with a number of legal and management issues around how to approach the problem.
The series of one-day training courses, run jointly with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), dispel some of the common myths around alcohol and drug use.
The course raises awareness of the different substances and their effects, and gives employers the confidence to deal with any related issues that may arise in the workplace.
It’s aimed at business owners, HR and personnel professionals, line managers, heads of departments and team leaders, health and safety officers, occupational health officers or anyone else with a responsibility for managing employee welfare.
Following the success of a one-day course at ACAS in Birmingham earlier this year, the training has now been rolled out to other ACAS venues in England and Wales, including Cardiff on 05 September and Birmingham on 19 September.
Further dates have also just been announced including London on 08 October and Leeds on 30 October.
Sharon Smyth, Swanswell’s Talent Development Manager, said: ‘Businesses are losing billions of pounds every year due to sickness absence caused by alcohol or drug use, yet many employers aren’t sure about the best way to deal with these issues.
‘In this economy, it’s vital that organisations do all they can to reduce the cost of this type of absence effectively, while ensuring their employees have the necessary support to improve their health and wellbeing.
‘There can be many complex reasons behind someone’s alcohol or drug misuse, so Swanswell’s training course will give employers the tools they need to approach the subject sensitively and appropriately.
‘Most importantly, it will help them give employees access to the information they need to make informed choices about alcohol and drugs, so they can be productive and live a happy and healthier lifestyle.’
For prices, terms and conditions or to book a place on ‘Understanding drug and alcohol use: an employers’ guide’, visit www.acas.org.uk.
To find out more about other Swanswell training, including ‘open’ and ‘in-house’ courses, contact Jon Groves on 01788 559400 or email jon.groves@swanswell.org. Further details are also available at www.swanswell.org.
For more information or supporting photographs, contact Stuart Goodwin:
Swanswell
Suite5, Hilton House
Corporation Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2DN
Tel: 01788 559 422
Email: stuart.goodwin@swanswell.org
About Swanswell
At Swanswell, we believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use; that everyone deserves the chance to change and be happy.
We’re a market leading charity with an exciting programme of innovative new service developments and a team of committed people who are working hard to achieve our ambitions.
Swanswell has a number of offices across the country including Coventry and Warwickshire, Birmingham, Barnsley, Sandwell, Leicestershire and Rutland. Visit Swanswell at: www.swanswell.org.
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