UCU: Training UCU representatives to support members struggling with addiction

Motion

Motion title: Training UCU representatives to support members struggling with addiction

Motion text: Congress notes that in the UK:
1. There are estimated to be over-600,000 alcohol-dependent drinkers.
2. Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability
among 15-49 year-olds.
3. Alcohol-specific deaths increased in 2020-2022 following Covid-19.
4. Workplace stress causes excessive alcohol consumption.
Congress believes:
a. Alcoholism and other addictions should be treated as diseases which cause
suffering to addicts and those around them.
b. Workplace issues and alcohol abuse can reinforce each other.
c. Guidance is needed in unions to support representatives supporting members
with alcohol-related problems.
Congress resolves to:
i. Research good practice to support representatives supporting members
struggling with addiction.
ii. Encourage branches to campaign and negotiate for employers to adopt
addiction policies which support staff rather than stigmatise or punish.
iii. Develop training and guidance, including via UCU’s CPD programme, on
support for representatives supporting members who are struggling with
addiction.