A report examined ways of getting problem drug-users 'fit for the job' and addressing employers' concerns. It raised the possibility of radical measures such as legal protection and small financial incentives for employers.
Source: Working Towards Recovery: Getting problem drug users into jobs, UK Drug Policy Commission (web publication only)
Links: Report | Summary | UKDPC press release | DrugScope press release | Community Care report | Personnel Today report | People Management report
Date: 2008-Dec
The Scottish Government published a strategy aimed at cutting the estimated annual £2.6 billion financial burden of problem drug use to the Scottish economy and society. It said that tackling problem drug use required effective policies on the economy, tackling poverty, and supporting families and children.
Source: The Road to Recovery: A new approach to tackling Scotland's drug problem, Scottish Government, available from Blackwell's Bookshop (0131 622 8283)
Links: Strategy | SG press release | Community Care report
Date: 2008-May
The healthcare inspectorate highlighted the need for urgent action to improve harm-reduction services for drug users in treatment. Over a quarter (26 per cent) of local drug partnerships did not carry out an assessment of need to inform the commissioning of services; and almost half (48 per cent) did not commission residential and inpatient treatment in line with national guidance.
Source: Improving Services for Substance Misuse: Commissioning drug treatment and harm reduction services, Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (020 7448 9200) and National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse
Links: Report | CHAI press release | DrugScope press release
Date: 2008-May
A report examined the additional non-medical aspects of service required to ensure that people in Scotland with substance use problems were given every opportunity to recover from their problems.
Source: Essential Care: A report on the approach required to maximise opportunity for recovery from problem substance use in Scotland, Scottish Government (web publication only)
Links: Report | SG press release
Date: 2008-Mar
The Welsh Assembly Government began consultation on a 10-year strategy which aimed to set out a clear national agenda for tackling and reducing the harms associated with substance misuse.
Source: Working Together to Reduce Harm: The substance misuse strategy for Wales 2008-2018, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Consultation document | Consultation document (Welsh) | NHS Wales press release | BBC report
Date: 2008-Feb