Workplace Drug And Alcohol Testing Procedure Uk

Drug and alcohol use in the workplace can create serious safety and performance issues. As an employer in the UK, it’s your legal and moral duty to make sure your staff are working safely and responsibly.

This guide explains everything UK employers need to know about workplace drug testing, including the law, procedures, consent rules, and how to choose the right drug testing kits.

Why Drug Testing Matters in the Workplace

Drug and alcohol misuse has increased in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Many employers now report more cases of employees attending work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Our most popular workplace drug testing kits are here

These substances can affect the brain and body for hours or even days, reducing alertness, coordination, and focus. This creates safety risks not just for the user, but also for co-workers and the public.

Is Workplace Drug Testing Legal in the UK?

Yes, workplace drug testing is legal in the UK, but it must be done fairly and lawfully, and employers must:

• Get written and informed consent from each employee before testing.
• Follow a clear drug and alcohol policy.
• Keep all test information confidential.
• Use certified and reliable test kits.
• Offer support if a worker tests positive or refuses testing.

Without employee consent, testing cannot legally take place.

When Do Businesses Use Drug Testing?

Drug and alcohol testing is most common in safety-critical industries, including:

• Construction and scaffolding
• Transport, logistics, and warehousing
• Railways and engineering
• Manufacturing and healthcare

These industries have a legal obligation to protect employees and the public from harm caused by drug or alcohol misuse.

Types of Drug Tests Used at Work

The most common type of workplace drug test in the UK is the urine drug test, followed by saliva (oral fluid) tests.

1. Urine Drug Tests

1. Detect a wide range of drugs
2. Cost-effective and quick
3. Longer detection window

2. Saliva Drug Tests

1. Easy and hygienic
2. Ideal for on-the-spot testing
3. No privacy issues supervised easily
4. Detect recent use (short detection window)

3. Hair or Blood Tests

1. Expensive and time-consuming.
2. Used rarely in workplaces (mostly legal or court cases).

What If an Employee Refuses to Take a Test?

An employee in the UK has the right to refuse a drug or alcohol test. However, if testing is part of their employment contract or your company policy, refusal may be treated as a breach of agreement similar to testing positive and employers should:

• Record refusals properly.
• Treat refusals fairly and consistently.
• Move to a confirmation test if there’s doubt or suspicion.
• Suspend the employee (on full pay) if they work in a safety-critical role, until the result is confirmed.

Why Employers Should Introduce Workplace Drug Testing

A clear drug and alcohol testing policy helps employers:

• Build a culture of responsibility
• Maintain a safe work environment
• Reduce accidents and absenteeism
• Protect the company’s reputation and legal compliance
• Identify and support employees who may have substance issues

Drug testing also reassures staff that the company values safety and fairness.

Workplace Drug & Alcohol Policy A Must-Have for Every Business

Every UK employer should have a written drug and alcohol policy.
This document should explain:

• How confidentiality is protected.
• When and why is drug testing done?
• The employee’s rights and responsibilities
• What happens after a positive or a refused test
• Available support for those struggling with addiction

Once agreed, this policy forms part of the employment contract and acts as a consent framework for future testing.

What Drugs Should Employers Test For?

A standard workplace drug testing kit should cover the most common substances found in UK workplaces:

• Cocaine
• Amphetamine
• Opiates (Heroin, Morphine)
  Recommended additional options:
  
• Methadone
• Benzodiazepines
• Methamphetamine
• Ketamine (increasingly common in the UK)

Most employers test for 6–7 drug groups, which provides reliable and practical coverage.

What Happens After a Positive Drug Test?

If a worker tests positive on an instant (on-site) test, employers should:

1. Check the result against the manufacturer’s data sheet (some medicines may cause false positives).
2. Suspend the employee on full pay (if a safety-critical role).
3. Send the sample for confirmation testing using a laboratory GC/MS test, which ensures accuracy and legal validity.
4. Keep records and follow company procedure fairly.

Lab confirmation tests should always use a chain of custody documentation so that results are valid in disciplinary or tribunal cases.

Accuracy of Drug Testing Kits

Instant workplace drug tests are 97–99% accurate, but no test is 100% perfect.

Only an accredited lab confirmation can fully confirm a positive result. Employers should always handle all cases sensitively and confidentially.

Record Keeping and Documentation

• Keep detailed testing records
• Use secure and consistent documentation
• Record refusals, positive results, and follow-up actions

A simple record template helps ensure fairness and legal compliance. (Employers can download free templates from most testing kit providers.)

 

Why Drug Testing Still Matters?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, drug and alcohol misuse has increased, often linked to stress, anxiety, and remote working.
Many employees are now working away from direct supervision, making it even more important for employers to:

• Promote mental health support
• Keep drug testing programs active
• Maintain high safety and health standards

Workplace drug testing remains a key part of building a safe, responsible, and supportive working environment.

Need Help or Advice?

If you’re a UK employer and need advice on which drug testing kits suit your needs, or how to set up a workplace testing policy, contact Drug Testing Kit UK for expert support that can only help to buy testing kits.

Telephone: 03333 701 701
Email: info@drugtestingkit.uk