Graduates looking forward to a quick pint after work could be frowned upon after a survey revealed employers believe they should take an interest in the drinking exploits of their staff outside office hours.

Personnel Today reports a survey of 300 businesses by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, found respondents who do take an interest believe alcohol has a negative effect on their business.

More than half blamed alcohol for contributing to sick leave and while most already had an drinking policy a quarter want to implement or revamp their strategies.

Common rules in the policies states employees should not be drunk while at work or entertaining, and should not drink alcohol two hours before work.

Keith Gorman from Health@Work, the charity which commissioned the research, told Personnel Today: "As alcohol consumption levels continue to increase we aim to support employers to positively deal with workplace problems while our wide programme of work will make a real impact with employees."

Dr Paula Grey, director of Public Health for Liverpool, added: "Looking at these survey results, awareness needs to be raised about existing alcohol policies and support structures within organisations. It highlights the importance of revisiting strategies regularly to make sure they are still appropriate and sufficient."