Drug testing of employees and applicants in the UK

[TacMedic1]

I had no luck in the legal corner so though I might have more luck amongst the medics:

What is the legal status of drug testing of employees and applicants by corporates in the UK?

Who can they test and when?

What can they test for and how?

Who does the testing and what controls and checks are in place?

What happens to the results?

[KEVTHEMED]

If its written into their contract before they start i cant see it been an issue. You can get the tests done at your local A&E. They cover opiates, steroids, amphetamines, barbituates and cannabis usually some tests only do one or two substances the more expensive ones do all. The NHS then give you a print out with the results. there is a control built into the side of the test kit that has to have 5 bars, one in each section before the test can work.
The usual test is a urine sample and the test kit is crushed against the container (all i one set)
The results can be given to the candidate direct as it is their right to have any test results. You may have a copy but they have to authorise you (covered once they sign their contract).
alternate methods is to have a company doctor who can do the tests and them forward on the results.
I had to have drugs screening before leaving for afghanistan and i did it through the NHS. Your company should have a drugs policy included in the employees pack which includes the permisssion to do random drugs tests on employees.
Hope ths helps and i stand to be corrected on any points raised.
KTM