Plans for a new public health programme helping London’s employers tackle substance misuse have been given the go-ahead.

The scheme will see the City of London Corporation support London’s businesses with a project to help create corporate cultures that discourage drug use within their firms.

In May a specialist consultant will begin a national and international review of existing models, studying the most successful and sustainable approaches to dealing with corporate substance misuse.

The consultant will also look at the most effective ways of supporting the capital’s young employees and educating drug users on their personal and social responsibilities, including working closely with universities and the further education sector.

The programme will then be developed, aiming to identify some of the reasons behind Class A drug usage and consider what behaviour changes might be employed to reverse this.

Simon Duckworth, Deputy Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said:

“This important work will help to establish effective ways of tackling drug use in London’s firms.

“These plans are at an early stage. But our aim is to empower employees to drive positive change within their communities and in their businesses.

“Working with our partners we will support businesses across the capital and beyond, reaching out to those who are facing similar complex challenges.”

The City of London Corporation runs Business Healthy, a public health funded initiative that provides City employers with free support to promote better health and wellbeing for their staff. Business Healthy brings together City firms to ignite and support a positive change in the health and wellbeing of their workforce.

The City of London Corporation also commissions the Westminster Drugs Project’s Square Mile Health - a drug and alcohol service which provides prevention, outreach and referral services to the City’s worker population as well as support to employers who may face challenges around substance misuse.

This work benefits thousands of City workers every year, with the service visiting firms of all sizes across the City’s business community.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk