Tag archives: drug and alcohol policy

The latest from the Fair Work Commission on drug and alcohol policy breaches

By Global Workplace Insider Team on October 10, 2016 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia

Last month, the Fair Work Commission upheld a decision to dismiss an employee for breaching its zero tolerance policy on illicit drugs, confirming the importance of having a clear drug and alcohol policy that is effectively communicated and consistently applied. The employer, Coles Group Supply Chain Pty Ltd (Coles), summarily dismissed Shane Clayton who tested … Continue reading

Does safety have to be compromised to avoid a legal headache?

By Global Workplace Insider Team on January 8, 2015 Posted in Asia Pacific, Australia, General

Under work health and safety laws across Australia, employers have an obligation to provide employees and others (including the public) with a safe workplace. At the same time, employers are also required to treat their employees fairly, particularly when terminating their employment[1]. Fulfilling both obligations simultaneously often creates a difficult task for employers, especially in … Continue reading

Case Brief: On dismissal of a drug user with an unacknowledged dependency

By Michael Torrance on October 21, 2014 Posted in Canada, Discrimination and harassment

In 2012, we referenced a case in which a complainant, terminated for breach of his employer’s drug and alcohol policy, failed to establish that the termination was discriminatory: 2012 AHRC 7. The policy at issue in the case distinguished between employees who had voluntarily disclosed addictions and those who were identified only after a breach … Continue reading

Avoiding the pitfalls of hosting a work party in the UK

By Claire Darbourne (UK) and guestauthor on December 3, 2013 Posted in Discrimination and harassment, Europe, UK

This post was contributed by Lindsey Hooper, Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP (London) Work parties over the Christmas period have become somewhat of a tradition in the UK but they can be a real headache for employers. Here are some handy tips for avoiding common “work party” pitfalls. Location, location, location The location of a … Continue reading