18th January 2014, 12:11 PM
Jack Wrote:Hi dirty boy.....I know your more of an expert in this than me.....I'm glad you took the bait }
What of the Human rights issues?
I'll bite then
And I'm not an expert in these matters, I just have a very out-of-date law qualification!
In my view, I fail to see any human rights issues. I would more than accept that an employer should not know what goes on in your private life, but this I feel should come down to unchangeable factors: sexual orientation for example. While I have few issues with whatever people wish to snort/inhale/inject, it is currently illegal to do so in this country (I am aware the illegality is possession!) it is illegal, and a large part of the debate is nullified by the fact that it is voluntary use, and currently illegal.
That said, I am more concerned about false positive testing - as you say it is not illegal to have it in your bloodstream, so what about second-hand inhalation, for example? (PS: I'm told you can't get opiates in throat spray). I don't think instant dismissal is suitable in many cases, and agree that employers helping with addiction issues would be more constructive).
As to removal of subcontractors from a client's site - it's more difficult as your archaeological employer may have no further sites/work to give you.
I'm very much with Kevin here - it's becoming a fact of the job that clients are using testing, and that if you're going to sign a contract to work, it's a fairly simple decision on people's parts to agree or disagree with it. I would suggest changing the law first would be a more effective starting point.
Just my tuppence
:o)