Business Link.

Byline: By Pam Ready

Pam Ready, workforce development manager at Business Link County Durham, discusses the impact of introducing drugs testing at work.

More than 8,000 people took part in a drug testing survey, carried out by recruitment company Reed.

The survey found that levels rose to 39pc in the distribution sector and 41pc in media and service industries.

Some admitted taking drugs at work, with 25pc having taken cocaine and 75pc saying they had smoked cannabis.

So, tackling such issues is becoming an increasing concern for employers.

However, an official report, the Independent Inquiry on Drug Testing at Work (IIDTW), has concluded that although drug testing can have an important role in safety critical occupations, it does not justify its use for policing the private behaviour of the workforce, or dealing with most performance issues.

Even where there is a health and safety justification for drug testing, the IIDTW recommends that employers should ensure fairness and transparency.

Employers may be tempted to introduce drugs testing but should do so with caution.

They should also be aware of their obligations in relation to the Information Commissioner's Code of Practice. This was due to be published this month (July) but has been delayed until the autumn.

The good practice section of the code warns that collecting information through alcohol and drug testing is unlikely to be justified unless it is for health and safety reasons.

Even then, workers in different jobs will pose different safety risks ( so testing all workers would be overkill.

The code provides guidance for employers on how to handle sensitive information without breaching the Data Protection Act (DPA).

It advises employers who are contemplating the introduction of tests, to first carry out an impact assessment to ensure that the benefits outweigh any adverse consequences.

It also includes the handling of information such as medical records, health questionnaires, the results of eye tests for VDU users, and records of blood tests to detect exposure to hazardous substances.

The IIDTW report concludes that good all- round management, together with investment in management training and systems will have more impact on safety, performance and productivity than drug testing at work.

You can also download a drug and alcohol policy from the advice and information (HR) section on the Business Link County Durham website: www.blcd.co.uk

* For further information on drug testing at work contact your local Business Link on: [phone] for Tyne & Wear, [phone] for County Durham, [phone] for Northumberland and [phone] for Tees Valley.