Less than one in 10 (9%) workplaces have support policies for gambling issues, research by gambling charity GamCare has shown.

The research, released 6 June, revealed that far fewer people with gambling problems would feel confident talking to their employer about it, compared with speaking with their friends or family.

Just over a quarter (28%) of those who gamble at harmful levels said they would feel confident telling their employer about the rate they were gambling at. This compared with 57% who said they would tell their friends and 42% who would tell their family.

“Many people are wary of disclosing gambling harms because of the stigma, lack of understanding and fear of professional repercussions,” Katy Wilson, operations and business development lead at gambling charity Betknowmore, told HR magazine.

Employers have a duty of care for workers with gambling problems, Wilson added.

“Employers hold some responsibility for supporting employees with gambling, particularly because gambling harms have such a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing,” she continued.

Not only does gambling impact employee wellbeing, but employers should understand which health conditions can contribute to gambling problems, explained Charlotte Reid, employment partner at law firm RPC.

Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “Employers need to remember that there are many potential underlying reasons for a person's gambling addiction.”

https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/gambling-problems-lack-workplace-support