At work

[tomestone]

Can i contest the companies dogmatic approach in implimenting a random drug and alcohol policy.

[ojread2]

Quite simply, no

Many places have these random tests in place. Very few actually practise it. in fact, no where I have ever worked has ever randomly tested me for drugs or drink, and I used to drive for a living

[Old_Geezer]

In which case you may consider it less intrusive in your life to move to an employer who doesn't threaten to carry out unnecessary testing. (I take it your job position isn't one where it is important to know if you were taking recreational drugs and thus marring your ability to carry our your duties ?)

[ojread2]

I cant think of any job where it would not be important OG?
Are you suggesting that, for example, a rubbish collector can be under the influence? You think it is ok for a checkout operator to be under the influence of last nights ecstasy?
It is always important, no matter your job, for your boss to know you can do it to the best of your capability and I am surprised you think otherwise

[boxtops]

No - and why would you want to? No employer wants someone to turn up under the influence.

[tonywiltshire]

You can object to the policy but if it is in your contract of employment and you agreed to this condition you will probably not get far with your objection. There is strength in numbers and if your work colleagues agree with you go in strength to the management and ask for changes to your contracts of employment. Firstly I suggest you establish why your employers require this condition in your employment contract.

[Old_Geezer]

Most jobs do not have drastic consequences so, for most such an intrusion into whether you take drugs or not, is unwarranted. For most if the job is done to expectation then the employer has no compalaint, and should not be nosing at how one live one's life; that is the employee's private concern.

[DTCwordfan]

Which country, tomestone, as this does makes a difference?

[tomestone]

Thanks to all who replied. Here is a few words that spring to mind on this issue.litigation,civil liberties,mutual trust and confidence,dogma.

[ojread2]

"Most jobs do not have drastic consequences"

Yes they do. Sacking for a start

[ojread2]

Oh tomestone, you either agree or go find another job

Civil liberties, seriously

[boxtops]

I agree with oj - you take the job, you sign the contract, you know what the constraints of the terms and conditions are. I wouldn't want an employee who refused these tests - they are there for a reason.

[ummmm]

Wouldn't it depend what your job was? When my Dad worked on the railways they had random drink and drugs test.

[lcg]

ans what is wrong with having a spliff on a friday night, returning to work on monday where the effects wear off, but still be detected? it isn't necessarily a fair system of checking employees and i'd be seriously peed off. not because i take illicit substances, but my prescription drugs would result in a few raised eyebrows - and i could become a smackhead and no-one would be any the wiser. if there is due cause - i.e. reported behaviour, deteriorating performance or other factors i could understand. but as a blanket policy? no - this isn't a police state. yet.

[factor-fiction]

We don't know what the policy is though, lcg76- the OP hasn't said, for example, that there will be zero tolerance of drugs/alcohol in the bloodstream

[NOX]

If the OP is a brain surgeon, aircraft pilot or train driver - clearly it matters- frankly if he works on a checkout, digs gardens or mails envelopes it doesn't- however employers are entitled to put what they like in their employment contracts and when you go there you can either sign it and work for them or not and don't.

[factor-fiction]

Maybe, NOX. It depends on what the threshold is- if someone is digging gardens, for example, and is still under the influence of alcohol then, as well as affecting his ability to do the job satisfactorily there is a risk to health and safety of himself and others.

[ojread2]

Working in the checkout means you are responsible for a lot of money at any given time
If I employed you I would not want you under the influence of anything - wrong change can make a huge difference to a business.
If I go into Tesco I do not want to breath someone's alcohol breath thank you, yuck!
Of course it matters, in ANY job it matters