Drug and Alcohol testing

[trills]

Hi, the company I work for is introducing random drink and drugs test. Not a bad thing but was curious about the following scenario as I believe they effect my Human rights. My understanding is the tests don't detect a drug but metabolics, a byproduct of the drug.
If I was to go to Amsterdam and legally take cannabis, it's use would be detected and I could be dismissed regardless of fact I was no longer under it's influence as it was taken several days ago. on my days off.
I compare it to this. If I was drunk on my days off, which is legal, but a liver function test might reveal I had used alcohol.
Any thoughts?
Regards
Trills

[Amethyst]

You can't go to Amsterdam and legally take cannabis ... just as an aside...

It depends what the random drink/drugs tests are for I think. If it is to see if you are 'under the influence' or if you have touched them in the last three months. There will be different levels on the tests - and your employer should inform under what circumstances it would be considered a disciplinary issue. If you have a couple bottles whiskey on your way in to work, then that's likely dismissable conduct, but if you smoked a joint a few weeks ago, it's unlikely to be a concern. The employer should issue a policy document stating what is and isn't being tested and expected of employees.

Ula

[trills]

You can't go to Amsterdam and legally take cannabis ... just as an aside...

It depends what the random drink/drugs tests are for I think. If it is to see if you are 'under the influence' or if you have touched them in the last three months. There will be different levels on the tests - and your employer should inform under what circumstances it would be considered a disciplinary issue. If you have a couple bottles whiskey on your way in to work, then that's likely dismissable conduct, but if you smoked a joint a few weeks ago, it's unlikely to be a concern. The employer should issue a policy document stating what is and isn't being tested and expected of employees.

Ula

Thanks for your quick response. Never realised it wasn't actually legal their but unlikely to be prosecuted. I'll read through their policy when released.

[ULA]

There are legal obligations for employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Transport and Works Act 1992 and The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Your employer should provide a drugs and alcohol policy to set out the reasons for having testing on place, the method of testing, what will happen if an issue is identified etc. When setting out a policy the employer should also consider ensuring tests are random and that they do not single out particular employee unless this is justified by the nature of their jobs,

As you say it may be as well to wait and see the policy document and then if you have any more questions just pop back into the thread and we can provide some more help.