Council Implements Strict Drug and Alcohol Ban

Wokingham Borough Council has banned staff from taking drugs and alcohol at work after its employment and staffing committee approved an Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy on Monday 27 July.

The council, which covers Wokingham, Earley, Woodley and nearby villages, had no clear, robust policy on alcohol and substance misuse, an HR report said.

The new policy brings a zero-tolerance approach for anyone representing the council, including volunteers, contractors, agency and casual workers.

Council leader Stephen Conway welcomed the move as setting the standards and support expected of employees. Deputy leader Prue Bray called it relatively uncontroversial and asked whether there have been incidents in the last five years. HR director Louise Livingstone said the aim is to safeguard the workforce rather than signal a particularly bad problem.

The policy was approved unanimously.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter