How common are pre-employment drug tests in UK?
In the UK, it is becoming increasingly common for employers to require candidates to undergo a pre-employment drug test as part of the hiring process. While drug testing is not mandatory, many employers are choosing to implement it as a way to ensure a safe and productive work environment. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why pre-employment drug testing is becoming more common in the UK, what it involves, and how it can affect.
Which industry sectors is pre-emploment drug testing most often used
Pre-employment drug tests are becoming increasingly common in the UK, especially in safety-sensitive industries such as transportation, healthcare, and construction. Employers may require prospective employees to undergo a drug test as part of the pre-employment screening process, to ensure that they do not pose a safety risk to themselves or others.
There are a few different types of drug tests that employers in the UK may use as part of pre-employment screening, including:
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Urine drug tests: These tests are the most commonly used and are relatively inexpensive. They can detect drug use within the past few days to several weeks, depending on the drug and frequency of use.
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Saliva drug tests: Saliva tests can detect drugs in the system for a shorter period than urine tests, usually within a few hours to a few days. They are a little more expensive than urine tests.
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Hair tests: Hair tests can detect drug use over a longer period than urine or saliva tests, typically 30- 90 days depending on the length of the persons hair. They are more expensive than urine and saliva tests. They are rarely used in pre-employment drug screening.
Choosing a suitable drug test for pre employment drug testing
UK Drug Testing have developed a range of drug testing kits to meet the needs of recruitment drug screening.
For urine testing pre employment we recommend:
For saliva drug testing pre employment we recommend:
- 7 panel workplace and driver saliva drug and alcohol testing kit
- 10 panel workplace saliva drug testing kit
If you need any assistance on choosing the best drug testing kits for your pre employment drug screening, then please call or email our customer support team, who will be happy to assist you.
It is important to note that drug testing is subject to certain legal restrictions in the UK, and employers must follow certain guidelines when conducting drug tests on prospective employees. For example, employers must always obtain written consent from job candidates before conducting a drug test, and they must ensure that the testing process is fair, reasonable, and consistent.
Further information on drug testing employees here
Additionally, the UK government has provided some guidance on drug testing in the workplace, which employers should consult to ensure they are following best practices. This recently updated information from the UK health and safety executive gives useful information that may help you develop your health and safety policy to include drug testing.
This guidance includes information on how to develop a drug and alcohol policy, how to handle positive test results, and how to support employees who may be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/screening-testing-drugs-alcohol.htm