Working mothers are more likely to turn to alcohol, a UK government survey said. Those from higher income households are also more prone to it.

The survey, done by the department for work and pensions. London, found that 17 per cent of mothers in the top income group and 13 per cent in the second highest drank alcohol three or four times a week compared with just 6.5 percent in the lowest group. According to the Annual Families and Children Study, only one in 10 mothers said that they never drank alcohol.

A spokesman for Alcohol – Concern said : “What is important here is not just how often these women are drinking, but how much they are drinking.”

Recently, the Royal College of Nursing Conference held in London was told that women who drink more than the recommended amount are likely to have health problems at a much younger age and faster rate. the problem is particularly rife among women under 25, many of whom are now drinking more than young men.

Besides, single, low income or unemployed mothers are most likely to smoke and 50 per cent of simple mothers smoked compared with a fifth i.e., 22 per cent with partners.

Almost 58 per cent of the poorest mothers smoked during their last pregnancy.