Search

How can we help?

Icon

What happens if I fail jobs drug test?

It’s the morning after the night before, and you’ve done something that really wasn’t a good idea. And it just so happens that today is the one day in your career that your boss has decided to randomly drug test some of the workers.

Just your luck, right?

Well, it is completely legal for employers to request drugs tests from its staff when it has grounds to suspect substance abuse.

But if you do end up testing positive, the good news is that it does not necessarily mean you will be sacked on the spot.

Why you might be tested

Testing could be completely random, or it could be implemented because bosses suspect a staff member was inebriated while working.

However, drug testing is not yet sophisticated enough to determine when an individual was drunk or high – so it can be hard to prove it happened on company time.

Monica Atwal, managing partner and employment law specialist at Clarkslegal, told Metro.co.uk: ‘Some employers only test if there are other indicators of abuse or influence.

‘But others will randomly test so there is confidence that staff can perform critical roles such as drivers or those providing personal care such as nurses.’

Will you be sacked?

Companies will have differing policies, but there is a good chance that being under the influence on the job constitutes gross misconduct, and you will be sacked.

But it may depend on the type of drug, whether it was taken in or out of the workplace, and your job.

Ms Atwal said: ‘Employers will be under a duty to investigate the circumstances fully before taking disciplinary action.

‘An employee can face disciplinary action including dismissal if a test is positive and the investigation shows there was a clear rule and a fair process was followed.

‘It is highly likely that if you are under the influence at work you will lose your job. It’s a high price to pay for a high.’

Read full article here.

Chambers and Partners

“Very professional, knowledgeable and accessible lawyers.” 

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

Pub
  • 19 August 2025
  • Immigration

Navigating New UK Immigration Rules: The 2025 Changes

In our latest podcast, join Ruth Karimatsenga and Monica Mastropasqua from the immigration team as they guide you through the new 2025 UK Immigration Rules.

art
  • 18 August 2025
  • Privacy and Data Protection

Top 10 DUAA Compliance Tips for Employers

To support your preparation, we have outlined 10 practical tips to help employers navigate the new requirements and take full advantage of the DUAA’s reforms.

art
  • 15 August 2025
  • Employment

Employment Rights Bill – Get your tailored action plan now!

The Employment Rights Bill is a major piece of legislation which significantly overhauls worker’s rights.

art
  • 13 August 2025
  • Commercial Real Estate

Proposed Ban of upwards only rent reviews

In an effort to save the high street, the government has proposed to ban upwards only rent reviews in commercial leases, without any consultation with professional bodies. It has caught the commercial property sector completely by surprise.

art
  • 12 August 2025
  • Privacy and Data Protection

From WeTransfer to WhatsApp: How Unapproved Tools and “Shadow IT” Could Threaten UK GDPR Compliance

Businesses and self-employed professionals are in a constant pursuit of efficiency and productivity.  There are, as a result, no end of tools and products available to smooth digital workflows. 

art
  • 07 August 2025
  • Immigration

New simplified British Citizenship route for Irish Citizens now in force

From 22 July 2025, eligible Irish citizens who have been resident in the UK for five years can now register as British citizens under a new, simplified route.