Please note the the workplace policies pages are under redevelopment and are temporarily unavailable.

Are drugs and alcohol affecting your business?

It is estimated that the social and economic cost of drug misuse is in excess of £20 billion. £6.4 billion of which is bourne by industry (Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy, 2004). This web site aims to guide you, as a responsible employer, to develop a robust and effective workplace policy. This will not only benefit your business, as you will be addressing an important issue, but you will also be fulfilling your moral and legal duty to provide a safe environment for all your colleagues.

The Reality - Employers have to recognize and tackle this problem, not just because it is the responsible thing to do but because it makes business sense.

Drug and alcohol misuse is a serious problem in our society today. The increasingly widespread availability of alcohol and illegal drugs can lead to experimental, recreational and dependent use, which in turn may affect an individual's working life. Given the seriousness of this, employers need to understand the potential impact of drink and drugs to their bottom line and be aware that employees abusing drink or drugs are a danger not only to themselves but often also to their work-mates.

Tackling substance misuse in the workplace can be a daunting and often complex process. One way of overcoming this is to have a robust drug and alcohol workplace policy that clearly outlines your company's rules and procedures for dealing with substance misuse and offers advice on where and how your employee should seek treatment.

Why a Workplace Policy Makes Good Business Sense

• Principally, a workplace policy helps employers fulfil their legal duty of care, to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees under the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974. If an employer knowingly allows an employee under the influence of excess drugs or alcohol to continue working and this places the employees or others at risk, you could be prosecuted]. Similarly, employees are required to take reasonable care of themselves and others who could be affected by what they do.
• Staff and managers are trained to spot the signs and symptoms of drug or alcohol misuse. Early identification can help resolve the underlying cause of the problem at an earlier stage and help alleviate problematic use of substances at a later stage.
• Gives a clear understanding of your company's rules on drugs and alcohol and gives a clear definition of both employee and employer responsibilities.
• A service that both protects your employees and protects your business.