Highland Council proposes new staff drug testing policy

Highland Council employees could be tested at work for drug and substance abuse for the first time – if they show signs of being under the influence.

The “with cause” testing has been proposed as part of the local authority’s newly-developed workplace drug and alcohol support policy.

Council officers said staff found to be abusing drugs or alcohol would be offered support. Currently, employees do not face any workplace tests.

According to Clackmannanshire Council, which has been trialling “with cause” tests, other authorities including Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway and Inverclyde already have the testing in place.

Highland councillors have been asked to approve the authority’s proposed policy.

In a report to a corporate resources meeting next week, officers listed potential reasons an employee would be asked to take a test.

They include slurred speech, erratic or unusual behaviour, or a complaint from another member of staff.

The report said there would be “clear and consistent” procedures for supporting staff.

It added that the “retention and rehabilitation of valued employees” was a priority for the local authority.

Officers said: “‘With cause’ testing will only be conducted where there is a specific and reasonable basis to suspect that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and is triggered by observable evidence or credible reports which suggest impairment.”

It said the tests were different from random testing, which was done without prior warning.

Highland Council does not carry out random tests.