South Ayrshire Council is set to introduce alcohol and drug testing for employees where there is “just cause” to do so, under new measures approved by councillors. Officials admitted that they could look at random testing further down the line.
Policy Approved by Cabinet
The move was agreed by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday as part of a wider policy aimed at supporting staff wellbeing and workplace safety. The new arrangements will allow testing to be carried out where there are reasonable grounds for concern about an employee’s fitness for work.
Testing will be undertaken by the council’s occupational health provider and supported by human resources staff. Officers stressed that the policy is intended to focus on prevention, early intervention and support rather than disciplinary action.
Prevention and Early Intervention
Presenting the report, HR chief Wendy Wesson said the proposals were designed “for reasons of health and safety and to support the wellbeing of our employees”. The existing Supporting Employees and Managing Wellbeing Policy will also be renamed the Addiction Prevention and Intervention Support Policy to better reflect its aims.
The revised policy includes new information on gambling addiction, developed in partnership with the RCA Trust, and will be accompanied by staff awareness campaigns, manager training and a workplace charter.
Councillors' Reactions
Councillors broadly welcomed the proposals during the meeting. Ayr North councillor Ian Davis said the measures would help strengthen council practices and protect staff, colleagues and the wider public. He welcomed the emphasis on prevention and early intervention, adding that gambling addiction was often overlooked despite its impact on individuals and families.
Depute Leader, Councillor Alec Clark, asked whether regular testing should be considered for operators of heavy vehicles and machinery given the potential risks to public safety. In response, Ms Wesson said the council was initially introducing “just cause” testing rather than random testing. She noted that only a limited number of Scottish councils currently operate random testing programmes but said the option was not ruled out in future.
Support for Employees
Councillor Hugh Hunter sought assurances that staff experiencing addiction issues would receive practical support rather than simply being referred elsewhere. Ms Wesson said the council would work closely with occupational health services, local support agencies and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership to help employees through recovery programmes. Mental Health First Aiders and trauma-informed staff could also act as confidential first points of contact for workers seeking help, she said.
Cabinet unanimously approved the policy changes. The council says the measures are intended to improve workplace safety while ensuring employees affected by alcohol, drugs or gambling addiction can access support at an early stage.
