The real cost of booze-related sickness

More than 2,000 people in East Anglia are claiming benefits and unable to work because of alcohol-related sickness.

Some are getting up to £20,000 a year in incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance and other payments to deal with their addiction.

Figures obtained from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed some of the worst places for claimants are in Britian's seaside resorts - where they can enjoy a life of sun, sea and strong cider.

In the east of England, 2,280 people are currently claiming and have legitimately stated alcohol as a reason for claiming incapacity benefit and other payments such as housing support and child-related benefits.

The Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) encourages employers to develop alcohol and drug policies.

Daniel Harry from DAAT said: “People experiencing alcohol and/or drug problems who lose their job may have difficulties in accessing employment in the future.”

As reported in the Evening News, alcohol abuse and binge drinking is resulting in more and more youngsters being treated at the accident and emergency department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Last year, 507 people aged between 16 and 19 were treated in A&E at the N&N and figures from the Office for National Statistics show drink-related deaths among 15 to 34-year-olds have increased by almost 60pc since 1991.

Out of the 507 A&E attendances in 2006, 46 patients were admitted with an alcohol-related illness or a mental disorder related to drinking.

The number of under-18s in Norfolk seeking treatment for alcohol-related health problems has leapt by 18pc in the past year and for adults it has risen by 42pc.

The N&N has launched a screening project and offers help, treatment and advice if needed.

More than 72,000 people a year visit the A&E department and in about 40pc of cases alcohol is a factor.

Across the country there are 49,720 claimants of benefits because of alcohol-related sickness, at a cost of £1bn.

Britain's drunk jobless capital is the Inverclyde area, around Greenock on Scotland's west coast, where one in 150 people are claiming benefits because of drink problems.

A DWP spokesman said: “We acknowledge that people are claiming incapacity benefits for different reasons from in the past.

“Mental health problems have by and large replaced industrial injuries as the main reason why people are claiming incapacity benefits.

“Our reforms of the welfare system address these changes to provide the support that each individual needs to help them get back to work.”

Evening News 24