Issued pursuant to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and applicable workplace standards.
1. Purpose and Scope
GEN (Global Enterprise Networks) is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive working environment for all employees, customers and visitors. This Policy sets out our zero-tolerance approach to the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of other substances, and provides practical rules for everyone who works for or on behalf of GEN.
This Policy applies to all employees, officers, directors, workers, contractors, agency staff, interns, consultants and any other third parties acting on GEN's behalf, whether on GEN premises, at customer sites, or whilst representing GEN in any capacity.
2. Policy Statement
GEN has zero tolerance for the use, possession, sale, supply or distribution of illegal drugs in the workplace. Being under the influence of illegal drugs whilst at work, on call, or representing GEN is strictly prohibited and will be treated as gross misconduct.
3. Definitions
- Illegal drug: Any substance controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 or equivalent legislation, including so-called "legal highs" and psychoactive substances under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
- Prescription medication: Medication lawfully prescribed to an individual by a qualified medical professional and used strictly in accordance with the prescriber's directions.
- Over-the-counter medication: Medication lawfully purchased without prescription and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Under the influence: A state in which a person's ability to work safely, effectively or professionally is impaired by any drug or substance.
4. Prohibited Conduct
- Using, possessing, selling, supplying or distributing illegal drugs on GEN premises, at customer sites, or whilst representing GEN.
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs whilst at work, on call, or representing GEN.
- Misusing prescription or over-the-counter medication, including using medication prescribed to another person.
- Being in possession of drug paraphernalia associated with illegal drug use on GEN premises or at customer sites.
- Refusing to comply with a lawful request for drug testing where this Policy permits it.
5. Prescribed Medication
The use of medication prescribed to you by a qualified medical professional, or lawfully purchased over the counter, is permitted provided that:
- It is used strictly in accordance with the prescriber's or manufacturer's directions.
- It does not impair your ability to perform your duties safely and effectively.
- Where it may cause drowsiness, impairment or otherwise affect your ability to work safely, you notify your line manager before commencing work so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
You are encouraged to seek advice from your GP or pharmacist about any potential side effects of prescribed medication that may affect your work, particularly if your role is safety-sensitive.
6. Safety-Sensitive Roles
Certain roles at GEN are safety-sensitive, including field engineering, data centre operations and any role involving driving or the operation of machinery. Personnel in these roles must disclose to their line manager any prescribed medication that may impair their ability to perform such duties safely. Disclosure will be treated in confidence and managed supportively.
7. Drug Testing
GEN reserves the right, where lawful and proportionate, to require drug testing where there is reasonable suspicion of impairment, following a workplace accident or incident, or as part of pre-employment screening for safety-sensitive roles. Testing will be conducted by an accredited provider and results treated in strict confidence.
8. Support for Dependency
GEN recognises that drug dependency is a health condition. Any employee who voluntarily discloses a drug dependency problem and seeks help will be supported, where reasonably practicable, in accessing appropriate treatment and occupational health support. Seeking help before a breach of this Policy occurs will not, in itself, result in disciplinary action. This does not exempt any individual from the consequences of prohibited conduct already committed.
9. Reporting Concerns
If you suspect a breach of this Policy, or have concerns about your own use of drugs or medication, you should report it to your line manager, to Compliance at compliance@gen.uk, or via our contact page at gen.uk/contact.php.
GEN prohibits retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. Concerns may be raised anonymously where permitted by law.
10. Disciplinary Action and Consequences
Breaches of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal. GEN may terminate relationships with contractors and third parties who violate this Policy and will report matters to law enforcement where appropriate. The use, possession or supply of illegal drugs may also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.