Alcohol & Substance Misuse at Work - A Guide for Employment & HR Advisers

Introduction

Employees should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work, because they are not going to do a good job. However, how do we know if an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can we test an employee, and what do we do if an employee has alcohol or drugs in their system but seems to be performing well? In addition, what do we do if the alcohol has been supplied at a work event?

This webinar will explore these issues, giving a clear guide to employers about what they can and cannot do.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Identifying and understanding alcohol and drug use
• The difference between abuse, dependence, and use of alcohol and drugs
• Signs to look out for
• The link between alcohol and drug use and mental health conditions
• Screening and testing
• What screening/testing an employer can do
• How to manage the screening/testing process
• Dealing with the results of the screening/testing process
• What to do if someone refuses to take a test
• Employer liability
• Key legislation to note
• Vicarious liability for the acts of the employee
• Criminal acts
• When alcohol or drugs result in harassment occurring
• Supporting the employee
• Policies and procedures
• Reporting procedures
• Preventative culture - work events, and the provision of alcohol, alcohol and expenses
• Dismissals
• When it is fair to dismiss
• Support for the employee
• When a medical suspension might be more appropriate

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Wednesday 1st October 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,800+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.