Drugs and alcohol policy

Here at the Co-op we want to provide a safe and professional working environment for everyone. So it’s important that all our colleagues, and anyone else working in our premises, are clear about what we expect when it comes to drugs and alcohol at work.

Just so you’re aware, we also have a Drugs and Alcohol Testing Policy which applies if you:

• visit or work in a Depot in Logistics;
• are in an operational role in Funeralcare (including the coffin factory)

The Drugs and Alcohol Testing Policy can be found on the colleague site or ask your manager for a copy.

We also want you to know that if you are facing challenges around alcohol or drug abuse there is support available for you that you can read more about later in this policy. You should not feel alone in your struggles and we have support in place that you can access either through your line manager or from our range of Wellbeing Partners, who are removed from Co-op and can offer completely confidential support. You will not be the only person experiencing these struggles and there should be no shame or embarrassment in coming forward to seek support. We are here for you.

Crucial bits

Just so everyone’s clear, this policy applies to all our colleagues and anyone else working in our premises. Any breach of this Policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including summary dismissal.

Coming into work

You mustn’t come into work if you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription medication) or Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) including those formerly known as legal highs to the extent that your judgment, behaviour or ability to carry out your job is affected.

If you need to drive for work reasons, of course you must also be within the relevant legal drink drive limit.

If you’ve been prescribed medication that you think might affect your ability to do your job safely and efficiently or have a medical condition that may replicate the signs of drug or alcohol intoxication talk to your manager about this as soon as you can, and before you start work. Your manager should seek guidance from ER Services regarding next steps.

During work

You mustn’t consume alcohol or illegal drugs or abuse any substances (including NPS’s and solvents) while you’re working (including if you are working at home or remotely) on Co-op premises or directly outside, or in any vehicle being used for Co-op business.

Work-related events

If you’re at a work-related event, such as a team social activity or a festive party, either held or not held at a Co-op location, and you choose to drink alcohol, we trust you’ll be responsible and remember you should behave respectfully and appropriately at all times. You should consume alcohol only in moderation.

You mustn’t be in possession of, sell, or purchase illegal drugs or other substances (including NPS’s and solvents) while you are at a work-related event or activity.

Co-op policies still apply to you at events or activities that you’re attending because you work here and are representing Co-op such as attendance at Festivals. If you are at a work-related event or activity and you are found to be in possession of or have taken drugs or your behaviour or judgement becomes impaired due to alcohol, you may be asked to leave the event and you’ll be invited to an investigatory meeting to discuss the matter.

Any inappropriate behaviour will be investigated under our Disciplinary Procedure and may lead to disciplinary action being taken against you, up to and including summary dismissal.

Illegal drugs

You mustn’t be in possession of, sell, or purchase illegal drugs or other substances (including NPS’s and solvents) whilst you’re working, within Co-op premises or directly outside, or in any vehicle being used for Co-op business. This includes any online activity.

If you’re found in possession of illegal drugs whilst at work, or a work-related event or activity, we may report this to the police.

Things to think about

If your manager has reasonable grounds to think you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst you’re at work, they’ll speak to you about the situation. If they think that you’re not in an appropriate condition to work, you’ll usually be suspended from work and invited to an investigatory meeting at a later date.

Drug or alcohol misuse/dependency

If you think you’ve got a problem with drug and/or alcohol misuse or dependency, we want you to know that you can talk to us before it becomes an issue at work. Your manager might talk to you if they notice any signs that suggest you could have a problem.

If you talk to your manager they’ll offer support and will keep things confidential, unless they have concerns about your safety or that of other people. They’ll offer appropriate support, such as encouraging you to see your GP, referring you to occupational health, or for alcohol/drug misuse-focused counselling through our EAP.

Co-op can also provide you with access to specialist substance misuse telephone cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) through our partner Rightsteps. There is a cost for this service, so you’ll need to discuss with your manager and ask them to refer you. They will then contact ER Services to make the referral, and you’ll have an initial telephone assessment to work out whether this type of treatment will be of help in your situation.

You also have access to online substance misuse support through Grocery Aid. You don’t need to be referred to this service and can sign up yourself online.

If you’re having treatment for a drug/alcohol problem and you need time off for appointments, there’s more information in the Time-Off for Dental and Medical Appointments Policy.

Testing

Unless the Testing Policy applies as set out at the beginning of this Policy, we won’t test you for the presence of drugs or alcohol but will make a decision about your continued employment based on the evidence we have.

If you need further support

If you have any questions about this Policy or if you believe that you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse or dependency, please speak to your manager. If managers need advice they can contact ER Services.

Remember we have a colleague support programme, which gives you access to a 24/7 colleague helpline – 08088 021 122. Rest assured this is a completely confidential, independent helpline which is free to access.

Telus Health have a CareNow Programme for Substance Abuse which is free and available for you to work through in your own time. Designed to help you gain more awareness and control, you will find tools to help you manage your relationship with drugs or alcohol and make some changes in your life. Access the course here. You can also access an Addiction Recovery Toolkit through Lifeworks here.

Telus Health also have a Managers Toolkit to help you best support colleagues who are facing struggles with substance abuse. You can access it here. There is also a useful article here giving you more understanding for supporting colleagues through these challenging times. For all Lifeworks content, you must be signed up to the service.

You can also access support through our 24/7 Virtual Health Service, YuDoctor. Available at all hours of the day and completely confidential, nothing you disclose here will get back to your line manager or to the Coop, all from your own home. You can speak to a GP at no cost. Phone 0345 319 0484 – you'll need to have the policy code 101500 to hand to book.

Other sources of support

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk help@alcoholics-anonymous.co.uk

FRANK - friendly, confidential advice about drugs: 0300 123 6600 Text 82111 www.talktofrank.com

Narcotics Anonymous:
0300 999 1212 www.ukna.org

Action on Addiction 0300 330 0659
UK addiction charity working across treatment, research and education for families and addicts

We Are With You Advice and support in England and Scotland