As the festive season approaches, the Government is re-enforcing its justifiably hard line on drink-drivers, as it launches its latest ‘THINK!’ campaign.

This year the focus is on the ‘snowball effect’ a drink-driving conviction can have on a person’s employment status and future job prospects.

Around 1 million people in the UK would automatically lose their jobs if convicted driving, as their work requires them to drive a vehicle.

However, it is not just these people who should be concerned, as a criminal record resulting from such a conviction would mean that a large number of jobs would be off-limits, including teaching, working in financial services or enrolling in the armed forces.

Launching the new campaign, transport minister Robert Goodwill said: “For many people Christmas is about spending time with friends and family and celebrating, but if drivers have a tipple they should not get behind the wheel.

“Just one drink can put you over the limit and the consequences are devastating – not only will you be cuffed and put in a cell, but if you’re convicted you will lose your licence and, as this research shows, you could even lose your job.”

A recent survey by Drink Driver Education showed that some 28 per cent of people with a conviction worry about applying for a job in case they conduct a criminal records check.

This worrying is not unjust, as three-quarters of employers take a criminal record into account when sifting for new recruits.

Simon Edwards, Sector Director of Logistics at recruiting firm ManpowerGroup, said: “In this highly competitive job market a drink drive conviction puts you at a serious disadvantage. With competition still tight for jobs in the current market (particularly within the 18-29 year bracket) candidates need to have everything going for them and a drink drive conviction will absolutely influence a hirer’s decision.

“I often hear about the devastating impact of a conviction on a candidate’s ability to get or retain a job and the limits this puts on future opportunities.”