Reporting an incident at work
If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking, talk to someone. Help is available and your employer will be supportive. Employers have a duty of care to employees because alcohol can cause problems at work.
Talking to your employer
Although it might seem daunting, approaching your line manager, HR manager or senior manager about your colleague’s alcohol or drug problem it is better done sooner rather than later.
- Speak to someone sooner rather than later;
- Examine your company’s alcohol and drug policy if there is one. If they do not have a policy then read their healthcare policy for sick employees;
- Know your rights and responsibilities as an employee;
Talk confidentially to your line manager about your alcohol or drug problem; they are likely to have noticed a change in your colleagues behaviours already.
For help with this check out Castle Craig Hospitals ‘Explaining to your boss‘.
The Police
Your employer should be the first port of call. However, you may be required to report the issue to the police.
It is not possible to consider alcohol-related crime in Scotland without regard to the culture of excessive drinking that has arisen in recent decades.
There is overwhelming evidence that the level of per capita consumption in the population is closely related to the level of harm experienced.
The Scottish Government has recognised the damaging effect that alcohol is having on the quality of life for many people in Scotland and as one part of its alcohol framework introduced the Alcohol Scotland Bill 2010.
This bill aims to reduce the unacceptable levels of harm in Scotland, which are related to alcohol use and was passed in November 2010. The new measures will restrict alcohol promotions on off-sales premises; ban quantity discounts; introduce a “challenge 25” age verification scheme; pave the way for a social responsibility levy on those who profit from the sale of alcohol. These measures aim to reduce availability and help to reduce public disorder related to alcohol.
The Police in the UK are classed as public servants. Part of their job is to assist people. If you need guidance or information, do approach a police officer. Should you get into any trouble, it is advisable to co-operate and help the police. If you are arrested, you have the right to know why and you also have the right to remain silent until you have arranged a solicitor to help you.
If you notice anyone promoting illegal activity or behaving in a threatening manner it’s important that you report it to the service provider. If you think you are the victim of a crime, are being threatened for money or any other purpose, or someone is in immediate serious danger, contact the police.
If you are concerned about anything, you can contact the police on 101. If you are not comfortable with calling the police you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or send an email to fearless@crimestoppers-uk.org at any time. This is totally confidential, and you don’t have to give your name or address.
