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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Drug testing at work to be 'commonplace'
thisissouthlondon.co.uk
Tuesday 28 Feb 2006 DRUG testing at work will become a part of everyday life. That is the finding of an 18-month survey conducted by the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work. It concludes drug testing in offices and workplaces will dramatically increase in coming years. A MORI poll conducted for the report found a whopping 78 per cent of employers would consider forcing staff to be tested for illegal substances. A further 32 per cent said they were not concerned about the impact the tests could have on workers' privacy. But the report also sent out a stark warning to employers: "Don't try to police your staff 's private lives." Inquiry chairwoman Ruth Evans said: "We know that testing is useful in specific safety-critical and sensitive industries, however it is a quantum leap for employers outside of these sectors to advocate drug testing of their staff. We are in danger of slipping into a situation where employers are taking on a quasi-policing role with respect to the private lives of their staff. "We understand that drug misuse is a matter of concern throughout society, but drug testing is no panacea. "The reality is that better management practices are a more worthwhile investment of time and money than drug testing. "This is also about getting the work-life balance right and understanding that unhealthy and stressful work environments contribute to the abuse of drugs and alcohol." The conclusions of the inquiry warn employers against testing. The report states: "Drug testing can have a role to play in sectors where safety or public trust is an issue. "But it has no role in the majority of workplaces and should never be used simply to investigate the private lives of staff."
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