Alcohol and drug dependency have an impact on your ability to work safely and correctly. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, your employer has a duty to ensure that the working environment is free from the inappropriate use of substances and all employees are able to carry out their duties in a safe and efficient manner to protect the safety of the workplace. This includes ensuring that no employees are working under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This could also apply to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs outside of work.
This Guide is your essential resource on your employment rights regarding alcohol and drug dependence, or mistakes and what you can do if you are facing disciplinary action for using alcohol or drugs, or for having alcohol or drugs in your possession at work or outside work.