Drug and HIV test for applicants and employees

[Corzhens]

Big companies here have an annual checkup of employees that includes HIV test and drug test. This is getting to be an issue in small companies particularly for applicants because such tests are expensive. But my take on those tests is for the good of the company because use of illegal drugs is scary with the statistics. HIV is also prevalent here. Our company has those clinical tests which somehow gives us peace of mind that our colleagues are clean.

 

[Alexandoy]

With the growing number of HIV patients and the users of illegal drugs maybe there ought to be an unwritten policy to screen job applicants for such cases. Can you imagine a thousand employee with one of them having HIV disease? It can surely be a reason for contaminating the others. With the illegal drugs it is a must so that there would be no influence among the other employees.

 

[primary colours]

Companies in the UK usually have a clause in the employment contracts allowing for random drug tests, but why would you test for HIV? I'm genuinely baffled.

 

[Corzhens]

Companies in the UK usually have a clause in the employment contracts allowing for random drug tests, but why would you test for HIV? I'm genuinely baffled.

HIV is getting prevalent here and big companies are now adding the HIV test aside from the drug test to applicants. It is not a random testing anymore. I know of several people who are HIV positive and that they are taking maintenance medication so their health will not falter. It is advised that they cease from any sexual activity so as not to spread the disease.

 

[primary colours]

Hi Corzhens

I understand that, but unless they are in the habit of forcing other company employees to have unprotected sex in the workplace I can't see what this has to do with the employer. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work can have very severe consequences for other workers but having a condition that can only be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids doesn't (in the normal state of things) present any risk to others surely? Imposing a HIV test seems draconian and ill-informed in my opinion.

 

[Alexandoy]

There is a saying that it is better safe than to be sorry so I guess those clinical tests for communicable diseases whether it is sexually-oriented or not is the prerogative of the company and beneficial to the employees in general. Unless it is illegal to conduct such testing then there is no issue on that since the annual checkup of employees is a privilege provided by the company that is free of charge.