LEADING EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME PROVIDER, CiC, LAUNCH ADDICTION SUPPORT SERVICE

Leading Employee Assistance Programme Provider, CiC (www.cic-eap.co.uk ), are launching a range of addiction support services at the CIPD Exhibition and Conference, taking place on 24th - 26th October at the Harrogate International Centre.* CiC are exhibiting in association with Clouds House.**

CiC’s new service will focus on drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other addictions such as gambling, food, smoking and sex. Alcohol and drug problems in particular are becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern day workplace. Recent studies have shown that:

• 1 in 6 employees have been under the influence of alcohol at work
• Around 10% of accidents in the workplace are alcohol related
• Up to 17 million working days are lost due to alcohol-related absenteeism
each year nationwide across all sectors
• The annual cost to industry of alcohol misuse has been estimated at £6.4 billion and that of drug misuse at £800 million

Although addiction is becoming an increasing concern, many organisations are reluctant to address the issue. This can be due to a number of different reasons such as an inability to recognise the symptoms of addiction or a lack of knowledge in how best to resolve addiction problems. As a result, CiC are urging all organisations to ensure that support mechanisms are in place, so that employees know what workplace policies cover alcohol, drugs and addiction issues, and what options are available to them in terms of being able to seek advice and support. CiC suggest that a significant way in which to do this is through a confidential helpline which gives employees the opportunity to discuss their addiction concerns with experienced practitioners.

CiC also stress the importance of providing training and support mechanisms for managers, who are often the first point of contact for employees. It is therefore crucial that they are given training on the symptoms of addiction and on the ways in which they can offer support and guidance to employees who are seeking their help in dealing with addiction problems. Managers are enabled to become more comfortable talking about the subject and more confident in the ways in which it can be approached

CiC’s new range of addiction support services highlight the need for the ‘people’ aspects of a company to be taken into account. Employees are the fundamental part of any organisation and it is important that the psychological needs are catered for in order for an organisation to work to the best of its ability. CiC can provide employees and managers with a range of support mechanisms such as assistance in developing a drug and alcohol policy, workplace testing and assessment, confidential telephone and face to face counseling support and specialist referral for treatment options.




For further information contact Beccy / Kate at Max PR, 020 8939 9029,
beccy@maxpr-events.com / kate@maxpr-events.com

Visuals available

Kate Nowlan, CEO, available for interview




Notes to Editor:

* CiC’s Exhibition Stand at the CIPD’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is A6

** Clouds House specialises in alcohol and drug addiction, providing a centre of excellence for addicted people and their families. For further information: www.clouds.org.uk


CiC was founded in 1988 and works with leading companies both in the UK and overseas to optimise staff support, training and performance. CiC was the first Employee Assistance Programme provider to be audited against the professional standards of the Employee Assistance Programmes Association. CiC currently offers programmes to over 250,000 individuals throughout the public, private and voluntary sectors, with a range of services including Employee Assistance Programmes, Learning & Development Programmes, Change Consulting, Coaching, Crisis Management and Critical Incident Support.