In the recent Employment Tribunal (ET) case of Ball v. First Essex Bus Limited, the claimant, a 60-year-old bus driver who suffers from diabetes, has been successful in his unfair dismissal claim. He persuaded an ET that his dismissal for being under the influence of cocaine whilst on duty was both substantively and procedurally unfair. The claimant had failed a random drug test.
This case shouldn't instil fear in employers who require to carry out random or "with cause" drug testing despite the attention-grabbing headlines that have been published in response to the ET decision. It should, however, serve as a useful reminder to employers to follow their own policies and procedures (which should be regularly updated) as well as the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance even in the face of (or perhaps particularly in the face of) very serious, career-ending, allegations. In this case the employer failed to follow its own drug and alcohol policy and contractual disciplinary policy. Importantly the drug and alcohol policy expressly allowed an employee to challenge the results of a positive test but the respondent did not bring this to the employee's attention. The policy also required that an independent laboratory identified by the employee carry out a second test. This didn't happen either. In addition the disciplinary policy provided that both investigating officer and disciplinary manager must carefully consider any verbal or written evidence submitted by the employee or their representatives. This was roundly ignored.
The judgment sets out a very good summary of what the ACAS Code requires an employer to do when operating any disciplinary procedure or process and in particular that an employer should keep an open mind and look for evidence that supports the employee's case as well as evidence against it. In this case it appeared to the judge that "the respondent would pursue any avenue that would shore up the case against the claimant yet ignore any factor that might support the claimant's position". The judge also commented that "any disciplinary process requires a degree of common sense".
The claimant's position on cross-contamination (by handling cash and his fingers coming into contact with his mouth) was all but ignored despite being "open to the issue" as far as the judge was concerned. The employee had long service and an unblemished record. The fact that all four senior managers involved in the disciplinary process (investigation, disciplinary, first appeal and second appeal) found it odd that a 60-year-old man who suffered from diabetes, had no history of drug taking whatsoever, had an unblemished record, was of good character and whose managers were surprised that he had allegedly taken cocaine meant that any reasonable employer would have made further enquiries.
Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
