Drink and drug tests anger unions

One in eight employers carry out tests

The TUC has accused firms that test workers for drink and drugs of infringing the privacy of individuals.

The union body said one in eight firms were now testing staff, double the level of a decade ago.

"Staff who may have drink, or related, problems need help, not disciplinary action," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

Nevertheless, 80% of managers surveyed by the TUC said they would test if they felt productivity was at stake.

Worthless?

The TUC singled out random drug testing as particularly intrusive and worthless.

A positive result did not prove that a worker was incapable of doing their job only that they had been exposed to a substance sometimes months before the test took place, the union body said.

However, many employers retain the right to test, arguing that it is essential for workplace safety.

The bus and train operator Stagecoach has been testing employees for both alcohol and drugs for the past two years.

Company spokesman Steve Stewart told BBC Radio Five Live the tests can be done sensitively.

"Before any testing is carried out we have a very clear explanation of the testing with the employee," he said.

"They also can have an independent witness, such as a union official, present.

"Even if there is a positive test we wouldn't assume that that meant there was a problem. A person might be on medication, for example."