date: Friday 25 June 2004 embargo: noon Monday 28 June

Attention: industrial, business and health correspondents, newsdesks

TUC backs report on the dangers of drug testing

The TUC has welcomed the report published today (noon Monday) by the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work following an 18-month investigation.

The TUC gave evidence to the Inquiry on the basis of its extensive work in this area and were represented on its steering group.

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said:

'The increased use of drug testing at work will boost the profits of companies peddling testing regimes but will do nothing for the productivity, safety or profitability of UK companies.

'Drug testing is irrelevant to most employees and companies. The TUC believes that testing is only appropriate for staff in safety critical posts and should be part of a comprehensive safety strategy that includes support for staff who test positive, and the report supports this position.

'The government should adopt the report’s recommendations by issuing clear guidance to business on drug testing at work and its practical and legal limits, as well introducing an accreditation system for testing companies.'

The TUC’s evidence to the Inquiry argued:

• Workplace drug testing is a costly waste of time, and a gross infringement of an individual’s privacy. Testing doesn’t prove someone’s inability to do a job, all it shows is exposure to a substance maybe months before the test took place.

• Whilst there may be a case for testing in safety critical jobs, tests should never be randomly carried out.

• Every workplace should have a policy on drug and alcohol use drawn up by managers in consultation with union representatives. The policy should state that individual confidentiality will be maintained at all times, with the emphasis on assistance and advice, not disciplinary measures and dismissal.

The TUC’s working life website has a guide for workers on alcohol and drug testing: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/health/viewsubsection.php?sun=16

For comprehensive research and case studies on the dangers of alcohol and drug testing at work visit the special section of the TUC sponsored Hazards website: www.hazards.org/testingtimes

Notes to Editors:

- TUC spokespeople are available for interview on drink and drug testing, subject to the noon Monday embargo.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Ben Hurley 020 7467 1248 or 07626 317903 (pager - weekend) or email bhurley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 28 Jun 2004