Christmas hangover bill in the millions
21 December, 2000
CHRISTMAS parties could cost British business Ł126 million this year in employee sickness as a result of hangovers, a study reveals today.
Independent research by Norwich Union Healthcare shows that nearly two and a half million British workers will be absent from work during the festive season due to over indulgence in food or drink.
These figures have more than doubled over the last two years, and now a quarter of all party goers will be taking two days off due to excessive intake of food and drink.
On average, workers will be enjoying two Christmas parties this year with nearly ten million British workers planning to go to three or more Christmas functions.
The research also reveals that a quarter of British workers lie to their bosses about why they can't come to work with excuses such as food poisoning, upset stomach, cold, flu or a migraine.
The average number of alcoholic drinks consumed is almost eight units (equal to four pints or eight glasses of wine). The average number consumed by males is just under 10 units (four pints) and five and a half for females (six glasses of wine). The daily recommended intake is three units of alcohol for women and four units for men.
The study also shows:
- One quarter of working Britons drink between 11 and 20 units of alcohol at Christmas parties
- Single Britons are three times (17%) as likely to have taken time off as a result of over indulgence compared to Britons in relationships (5%)
- Four times as many 16-34 year olds have taken time off compared to 35-54 year olds because they have not moderated their intake of food or drink
Dr Doug Wright, clinical development manager at Norwich Union Healthcare said: "Christmas is one of Britain's most unhealthy times of year. With statistics like this it is not surprising there are so many people taking time off work because they have a hangover. On average British office workers are drinking three times the recommended daily intake of alcohol."
"Such large quantities of alcohol in our bodies leads to dehydration, the tendency for smokers to smoke more, loss of appetite and increased consumption of unhealthy foods after the party and the next morning."
Norwich Union Healthcare tips include:
- Eat eggs or yoghurt or full-fat milk before a party
- Avoid mixing alcoholic drinks and alternate with soft drinks - or stick to water
- Drink plenty of water when you get home and allow your liver time to break down alcohol before going to bed
- Avoid drinks such as red wine and whisky - they contain substances which can give worse hangovers
- Avoid smoking and smoky atmospheres
- Eat a good breakfast the morning after a party
- Try to exercise and get enough sleep during the festive season - also make sure your diet contains plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and rich food and go to bed early on at least one day a week
- The only sure way to avoid a hangover is not to drink at all
- Never drink and drive.
For more information or if you have any questions about the above figures please contact Gabrielle Brewer or Jo Carr, QBO, on (020) 7379 0304, or Louise Zucchi at Norwich Union press office, on 01603 684 506.
- Please contact Gabrielle Brewer on (020) 7395 4429 for any pre-recorded interviews on Wednesday 20th December.
Notes to Editors
- Norwich Union Healthcare commissioned researchers to interview 600 working adults from all over the country between 1-3 December, 2000.
- Norwich Union Healthcare was founded in 1990 as the healthcare arm of Norwich Union and now provides a range of income protection and private medical insurance products to around 600,000 customers. It is one of the largest providers of income protection and private medical insurance in the UK.
- CGU and Norwich Union merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc - the world's 6th largest insurer, the UK's largest insurance group and one of the top-five life insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world.
CGNU's principal business activities are long-term savings, general insurance and asset management with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales of Ł26 billion and assets under management of more than Ł200 billion.
The combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
