UK
Ireland
Scotland
London
The use of drugs and alcohol by an employee is of serious concern to employers. As well as causing ill-health and absenteeism amounting to around £6.4 billion each year in the UK, drug misuse interferes with productivity and increases the chances of accidents. In fact, a regular drug or alcohol misuser can be 33% less productive and is 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work.
Drink and drug driving is of particular co
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ncern to employers with company vehicles and the reasons for this are not hard to understand. Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure employees never endanger the lives of others by driving under the influence. The statistics they face are terrifying:
- Up to 25% of workers under 30 use illegal drugs and 11% have driven under their influence
- 5% of workers are currently alcohol dependent - over 40% admit to drinking "heavily"
- Almost 30% of drivers killed in road accidents are under the influence of illegal substances
- Review their Drug and Alcohol policy and ensure it encompasses driving
- Set clear rules and ensure these are detailed in the contract of employment
- Raise awareness through effective training
- Introduce drug and alcohol screening tests carried out by a responsible, independent firm.
