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0016 2026/27
14/08/2026
People, Performance and IT
All wards
Revised Drug and Alcohol Policy for Employees
To approve a revised Drugs and Alcohol Policy for employees, replacing the existing policy which is in need of a refresh
This report is to seek approval on the implementation of a revised Drugs and Alcohol Policy for employees that puts safety and support at the heart of the approach.
The existing Drugs and Alcohol policy has been in place since the early 2000s and is in need of revision to ensure it remains relevant and in line with best practice. The proposed policy promotes a supportive approach to employees who are experiencing problems with drugs and/or alcohol where they seek help from the Council. It also promotes a zero tolerance approach to employees attending work impaired by drink or drugs, reinforcing the need for a safe environment for employees, service users and residents. The key change to the policy is the introduction of 'for cause' testing which enables an onsite test for drink or drugs to be arranged where an employee is displaying signs consistent with being impaired by drink or drugs. This provides the manager with clarity and the employee with a safeguard if there are factors at play other than drink or drugs. A market-leading company has been engaged to provide the testing function. Consultation has taken place with Trade Union and staff groups and feedback is positive in terms of the proposed changes.
The revised policy would ensure our approach to managing drugs and alcohol issues in the workplace is supportive where appropriate but allows managers to robustly deal with any incidents of impairment in the workplace. The approach is supported by Trade Unions.
The risk lies in not having an effective framework to address problems with drugs and alcohol in the workplace, or in the framework not being used effectively. The policy is intended to provide that framework, and manager guidance and professional advice from People Management should ensure the framework is used effectively
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Please contact Phil Ingham on 01744 676704
