History of Drug Testing
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Workplace drug testing is something that's a much-debated topic particularly in the uk. Up until nowadays, there's really no clear legislation concerning this particular issue. Quite a few union members are opposed to giving businesses, their employers, the power to conduct drug screening in the workplace, whether it's random or scheduled.
Many drug firms have claimed that more and more businesses are adapting drug screening as a protocol in their workplaces. Yet there is no important evidence to definitely validate such claims.
Here is a check out some essential legislation with regards to workplace testing in the uk:
- Health & Security at Work Act of 1974
The pass a drug test is amongst the pioneer legislations that promote the protection and wellness of workers in the workplace. A certain section of the legislation specifically states that workers possess the right to ensue that their workplaces are free from influence of drug or alcohol.
This provided the means for the idea of workplace drug testing in the uk. Yet up until nowadays, it is not a custom to let go of a worker just simply because he was found to be positive of any harmful substance.
- 1998 Human Rights Act
The section of the legislation where it talks about a person's right to privacy is substantial to the development of drug screening in the workplace. As this law basically covers everyone, workers, therefore, get the right to deny their employees' request for any kinds of drug screening, whatsoever.
Under this law, employers also don't have the right to dismiss an employee who was found in possession of an illegal substance outside the workplace.
- Employment Practices Data Protection Code
This code specifically states that apart from safety causes, very few employers will be justified if they conduct workplace drug testing for any other reason. It further states that numerous industries and businesses pose various standards of security consequently it would be much tougher for employers to conduct even scheduled drug screening for their employees.
- The 2004 Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work
This inquiry concluded that laws in relation with drug screenings in the workplace are unclear and thus called on the UK government to pass laws that would guarantee the protection of workers.
It also further supported the notion that any employers who force workers into workplace drug tests are essentially violating the provisions of the 1998 Human Rights Act.
The fight for workplace drug testing is still up in the air up to now. Numerous unions are opposed to giving their employers the power to conduct drug screening. Unless specifically stated in an employee's contract and given that he has consented to it, then it shall remain that drug tests be not essential for individuals who are employed in the united kingdom.
