A NEW police initiative has been launched to stamp down on misuse of drugs and alcohol in places of work.

More than 150 people from across the county, including the Leigh area, were invited to attend the launch of the campaign by Greater Manchester Police.

'Drugs and the Workplace' is a major project developed by the police in partnership with major organisations such as the TUC, CBI and the Institute of Directors, and the aim is to curb drugs misuse in workplaces by developing a code of practice which offers practical help to managers in dealing with such problems.

The launch, by Chief Constable David Wilmot, also featured a training guide, an interactive CD-ROM and a specially produced drug box that contained 21 placebo drugs.

Chief Inspector David Williams of the GMP Drug Prevention Section, said: "The collaboration between business and industry support agencies will develop an important network of help and guidance to employers and employees alike who are affected by drug misuse in their place of work."

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