Search
Close this search box.

Bus driver awarded nearly £84,000 after being unfairly dismissed after failing a drug test

In Bailes v First Bristol Ltd, a saliva drug test conducted on Bailes picked up traces of cocaine.

In Bailes v First Bristol Ltd, a saliva drug test conducted on Bailes picked up traces of cocaine. Bailes was adamant that he had never taken cocaine. His explanation for the positive test was that any drug traces must come from handling the fares paid by some passengers on the day the test was conducted. To prove the point, Bailes paid for an independent drug test which confirmed that he had not taken cocaine in 90 days prior to the test.

A tribunal upheld Bailes’ unfair dismissal claim primarily on the basis that the employer had failed to conduct a reasonable investigation in the circumstances, and in particular, Bailes’ contention that, as an employee with 22 years’ service, he had never taken cocaine as proven by his own independent test. According to the tribunal, the employer showed no interest in exploring Bailes’ explanation when the alleged misconduct was a serious and sensitive issue. Bailes was awarded £83,910 taking into account that while he had tried his best to find an equivalent job, employers in the public transport industry have serious concerns in circumstances where a failed drug test is involved. In addition, the employer had failed to investigate properly, for which there was no reasonable explanation and because this was a breach of the Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, a 20% uplift was included.

This case serves as an example of the consequences of failing to adopt a reasonable procedure given the all circumstances of the case, including an investigation which is within the range of reasonable responses. Here, information is available in the public domain which shows that bank notes and coins can be contaminated by drugs and the employee had paid for an independent dugs test which showed no use of cocaine in the previous 90 days.  

 

Content Note

The aim is to provide summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. In particular, where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out full details of all the facts, the legal arguments presented by the parties and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Click on the links provided to access full details. If no link is provided contact us for further information. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, SM&B cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.

Read more

Latest News

Read More

Rise in recruitment fraud must urgently be checked

28 March 2024

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

University of Cambridge – Judge Business SchoolSalary: £32,332 to £38,205 pa, pro rata This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where

University of Cambridge – Judge Business SchoolSalary: £29,605 to £33,966 pa, pro rata This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where

University of Oxford – Blavatnik School of GovernmentSalary: Grade 5: £28,759 – £33,966 per annum (with a discretionary range to £37,099) This provides summary information

Software Development Director (Exec Team Seat). Remote Working with Ellesmere Port Office-Based Minimum 1 Day Per Week. + Contribution towards membership fees. £120,000 – £140,000

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE