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Alarm about new quickie alcotests

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Millions of workers could face routine and possibly daily alcohol tests using a new fingerprint device which gives instant results. Media reports say staff in local government, the NHS and security, transport and leisure industries will be first to be targeted for testing by the world's first finger-touch system to detect alcohol. The device, AlcoSense TruTouch, was launched in March and uses a near-infrared light to measure blood alcohol content in the skin. Users put their fingers on an optical touch pad and the reader gives a result within ten seconds, meaning 300 employees an hour can be processed. The website of AlcoDigital, the company marketing the new device, notes: 'Testing every person, every day changes the underlying behaviour itself.' But unions have said routine alcohol testing is an unnecessary imposition while an employment lawyer said employers thinking of testing workers should be wary. Dave Prentis, general secretary of UNISON, said an increase in alcohol tests would be a mistake and was 'a sledgehammer to crack a nut.' He added: 'If workers have a problem with alcohol, their employers should not be relying on a gadget to entrap them but should be providing them with proper support.' Employment lawyer Philip Landau, writing in the Guardian, warned that employers should not rush into testing. 'In order to protect themselves, most employers should make sure that any testing complies with the highest standards and processes, following industry best practice and using a fully accredited, professional and independent service provider,' he wrote. 'It remains to be seen how many will be tempted to frequently test their staff with little or no notice. It is not too difficult to see what that might do to staff morale if the practice becomes widespread.'

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