Are You in Favour of Drug Testing at Work?

Four out of five employers would be prepared to drug test their employees if they thought productivity was at stake, a survey has found. But the research for the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work also found that very few firms at present actually do test their workers for banned substances.

Ruth Evans, chair of the inquiry, commented: "There is growing pressure on employers to carry out workplace drugs testing but little evidence or guidance to help them decide if, when and how they should do it. Our inquiry will examine the legal, ethical and economic implications, and recommend a transparent framework for employers considering drug testing at work."

The survey of 204 firms showed that only a handful tested their staff for drugs and one in 10 were planning to introduce testing within the next year. The findings of the inquiry will be presented to the Government. The TUC is represented on the independent enquiry panel.

Unions have said workplace drug testing is a costly waste of time and an infringement of privacy that does not spot impairment, just evidence of exposure to drugs up to months previously. They warn the tests regularly turns up false positives and serve to divert attention from real health and safety concerns, like poor safety systems, under-staffing, fatigue and overwork. Studies have show that union-run initiatives are most effective at dealing with any workplace drug or alcohol problems.
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