Network Rail – Drug & Alcohol Testing Changes

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/093/25

29^th May 2025

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

NETWORK RAIL – DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING CHANGES

 

Further to head office circular NP/60/25, dated 28^th March 2025, your Hull Rail branch submitted the following resolution:

 

The Hull Rail Branch Network rail members have concerns over the application of the new Drugs & Alcohol policy NR/L2OHS/00120 which has been issued March 2025 with a fully compliance date of 7^th June 2025.

 

Stricter rules have been issued without warning suggesting if you are prescribed a drug that’s not on British formulary website intended use you could give a non-negative reading if it’s been prescribed for something else.

 

An example of this is if your doctor prescribes duloxetine for a damaged muscle, you could give a non-negative result because it’s not it’s intended use according to the BF website.

 

Another example of this is hormone therapy replacement (HRT) its intended use is to help women during menopause but can be prescribed for transgender people during transition.

 

We believe this is discrimination & could result in a serious consequence if a non-negative test is recorded which could cost you your job.

 

We would like the NEC to instruct NWR lead officer to take the matter up with Network rail to explain the rationale for change & an assurance disciplinary action will not be taken against any employee giving a non-negative test in these circumstances.

 

At its meeting on 27^th May, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety subcommittee:

 

We note the resolution from our Hull Rail branch, for which it is thanked. 

 

The General Secretary is instructed to act in accordance with the sentiments with the resolutions and also to raise this matter at a forthcoming meeting of the Network Rail National Safety Council.

 

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

 

            I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary