The TUC has called for more research into the UK's growing drink problem after a report showed it was costing almost 15 million working days a year.
People were drinking more than ever but few firms had policies to tackle problems caused by workers' drinking habits, said the union organisation.
Unions are concerned many employers were merely screening members of staff as a way of dealing with the issue.
The Government was urged to fund more research and to consider the effects of stress, long hours and bullying.
A recent Alcohol Concern survey showed two out of three firms were having problems because of their workers' drinking.
Long-term sickness, unemployment and premature death due to alcohol abuse was costing the UK economy £2.3 billion a year, the TUC estimated.
TUC general secretary-elect Brendan Barber said: "Drink is definitely a workplace issue. It's in everyone's interest we tackle the UK's growing drink problem."
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