Here at Zoom Testing we aim to be your trusted source for workplace drug testing updates. Im our weekly round up you will find important news about drug and alcohol testing from across the UK. Our team tracks changes in policies and workplace guidelines that matter to you. We keep things clear and direct – perfect for healthcare teams and testing specialists. From policy updates to local programs, we pick what you need to know. Join us each weekday to stay informed about your industry. Here are this week’s key developments…
Monday, February 3, 2025
A new NHS teen vaping clinic opens today in Liverpool. The Alder Hey team will help young people aged 11 to 15 quit vaping. Health groups in Scotland want fast action on what they call an “alcohol emergency”. Good news comes from a study that shows alcohol tags help stop repeat crimes. Meanwhile, Trading Standards found Sainsbury’s and Morrisons breaking rules with tobacco ads in their shops.
Wine costs will rise with new taxes, but there’s good news for pub visits. A tax cut on draught beer means pints will cost a penny less. In health updates, the FDA has cleared Journavx, a new pain pill that works without risk of addiction. A fresh study from Chicago shows new facts about how drinking affects people with low mood.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
UK health experts warn about rising risks from fake drugs called cathinones. A new pain drug works just as well as strong pills but without risk of getting hooked. Brain tests show why some people are more likely to have trouble with alcohol. Health pros say smoking costs Norfolk over 700 million pounds each year.
Trade fights heat up as Ontario plans to take US drinks off store shelves. The big firm Diageo faces hard times as drink sales drop worldwide. Good news from BC as they add more beds to help people beat drugs, though some sites need more support. In Syria, the world watches as new leaders try to stop the flow of a drug called Captagon.
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
New figures show over 339,000 people needed hospital care for alcohol problems in England last year, according to the latest health report. In Scotland, Labour MSP Claire Baker is leading a new campaign to reduce stigma around drug and alcohol deaths. The campaign asks people to show more understanding towards those affected by substance use.
A Canadian study shows that making cannabis legal doesn’t reduce alcohol consumption as previously thought. In brighter news, Bradford Council is putting up friendly signs in parks and play areas to thank people for not smoking or vaping, helping create healthier spaces for families to enjoy.
Thursday, 6 February 2025
New figures show that 10,473 people died from alcohol in the UK last year. This is the highest number ever seen. The death rate did fall slightly from 16.6 to 15.9 per 100,000 people. Health experts want new pricing rules to cut alcohol harm. The University of Glasgow has won £5 million to study ways to make pain pills safer.
Good news comes from Liverpool, where people in recovery are working to make their streets safer. In Hartlepool, plans for a new £3.6 million drug and alcohol centre have been approved. This will replace the old building and help more people get treatment.
Friday, February 7, 2025
Local health services received a major boost today with the Department of Health announcing a £200 million funding package for addiction recovery and other public health programmes. In Scotland, MSPs are debating support for people with alcohol problems in the justice system, following a new SHAAP report. Meanwhile, Welsh Health Minister Sarah Murphy raised concerns about children starting secondary school with vaping addictions.
On the enforcement front, officers seized illegal vapes and tobacco worth £5,000 in a York business raid. A major breakthrough came as police arrested four people after finding £80 million worth of cocaine at an Essex port. These actions show ongoing efforts to tackle illegal substance trading.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
