Much of the opposition to workplace drug testing is not focused on the efforts to reduce the risks of drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace nor the benefits to employee wellbeing in promoting a healthier lifestyle, but in the consequences of a positive drug test. The impact of an individual‘s dismissal from work can be devastating and many see dismissal as the only and obvious consequence of failing a workplace drug and alcohol test.

Dismissing an individual may, on the face of it reduce the risk that individual poses to the organisation. However, it may not reduce the overall risks to the business.

Investigating alternative measures other than dismissal to reduce the risk the individual poses may in fact prove more beneficial to the workplace in a number of ways.

The Cost of Dismissal

A 2014 study¹ showed that the costs of replacing an employee can be up to £30,000. This can include the cost of recruitment fees; disruption to the business; loss of experience and employee training.

Additional benefits of retaining employees who test positive include the support of trade unions; the avoidance of employment tribunals; employee wellbeing and loyalty; enhanced reputation as a ‘good place to work’.

Any benefits that may be gained through the reduction of risk associated with dismissal of an employee will likely be counteracted by the increased risk associated with the employment of a new unknown individual with associated unknown risks.

The key aim of dealing with an employee who has failed a drug and alcohol test at work is to reduce the risk that individual poses to the business, its employees, customers, and the general public.

We have already seen how the risk may not be suitably mitigated by dismissal and the cost of dismissal could be high, so what alternative is there to dismissal that will manage the risks? Working with the individual in question to manage them back into the workplace with reduced risk can done in a few ways.

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment

An assessment on whether the individual has a substance misuse problem is important and will be helpful in deciding the next steps. If an assessment indicates that the individual has a drug and alcohol misuse problem an appropriate treatment programme will be the most effective process for dealing with the risks associated with that individual. This can be delivered through an Occupational Health route or through one of the many drug addiction charities or NHS programmes. To continue to manage the risk, unannounced drug and alcohol tests over a few months once they have returned to work is appropriate.

Drug and alcohol awareness and coping strategies

However, if the individual in question does not have a drug and alcohol misuse problem a more appropriate approach may be through education and awareness of the risks associated with drug and alcohol misuse. This approach could also equip the individual with skills and coping strategies to use when they find themselves in social situations where they feel pressured to use drugs or alcohol. Ongoing access to professionals who can help them would also be beneficial. Upon completion of their education and awareness an ongoing programme of random, unannounced drug and alcohol tests once this individual returns to work will continue to manage the risks they pose to the workplace.

These options provide a credible alternative to dismissal in that the deterrent of drug testing is maintained; the ongoing risk presented by the employee is managed and there is demonstrable return on investment.