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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Drug test warning
Sky News
Monday 28 Jun 2004 Workers in Britain could soon face an "explosion" in the number of drugs tests carried out by their bosses, a new report has warned. It means employers could soon be using cheap drug kits to test workers for traces of alcohol, cocaine, Ecstasy and cannabis, it is claimed. The report from the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work warns: "We could be on the cusp of an explosion of drug testing in the UK." It concludes that workplace drugs tests could even become "a fact of everyday working life." It also warns bosses could be taking on a 'Big Brother' role of prying into the private lives of workers away from their jobs. The report follows an 18-month inquiry which heard evidence from employers and employees, providers of drug testing services, trade unions and business organisations, police, doctors, lawyers and drug experts. Its establishment followed the rapid expansion of workplace drug testing in the US The report states such testing is likely to increase even though evidence for its impact on performance and even safety is inconclusive. But it points out employers have a legitimate interest in drug and alcohol use amongst their staff only in a restricted set of circumstances such as criminal activity, critical safety concerns or where worker's jobs are suffering. A MORI poll conducted on behalf of the inquiry found that a majority (78%) of employers would consider drug testing if they believed that drugs or alcohol was affecting staff productivity. At the same time, many employers (32%) believe that drug testing does not impact on human rights.
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