Employers show support for job seeker drug tests

Drug testing beneficiaries to make sure they are fit for work has some support in Hawke's Bay since the idea made headlines at the Federated Farmers national annual meeting and conference at the weekend.

Heinz Wattie's, a major employer of people in Hawke's Bay, said it had "a duty of care" and a legal responsibility to promote, monitor and maintain a safe working environment for the protection of "all people in the workplace".

The company's employment relations manager Lynette Blackburn said employees who consume or were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work were a hazard to themselves and other employees "and genuine steps are required to eliminate such a hazard".

"To do this, the company has had a drug and alcohol policy in place for a number of years. Part of this policy is a requirement for people to pass a pre-employment drug test before they are employed," said Ms Blackburn.

"Any government initiatives that support employers in maintaining a safe work environment would be welcomed."

Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Douglas said he was unaware of how many people from Work and Income would be referred to major employers in the region "... although any firm would be very concerned about drugs and workers".

"Anecdotally, I am aware that some employers are very concerned about this aspect and do have testing regimes but it is a very tricky area in employment law," said Mr Douglas.

"I guess the bottom line is that if you genuinely want a job, you have to be best presented for this and an employee on drugs is unlikely to get a chance."

Hawke's Bay Today asked Work and Income if there were any number of people being rejected from work opportunities in the region because they had been under the influence of drugs, and whether people would lose benefits if they failed drug tests.

Work and Income east coast regional director Rawinia Lewis said the current policy was to not refer a client to a drug-tested job "if they tell us they won't pass".

"This limits our ability to meet employers' needs where drug testing is a key requirement," said Ms Lewis.