Often they contain ingredients which haven't been tested on humans and so the effects of human consumption are hard to predict. These drugs can have a range of effects on users and are generally used as stimulants, "downers" or hallucinogens. As they are marketed as legal and sold openly in shops or online, many users may not fully realise the effects they might have. Many users are also unaware that, despite being legal, their use is probably banned in most workplaces under the organisation's drugs policy. The Psychoactive Substances Bill In an attempt to control the use of psychoactive substances the Government announced new legislation in May 2015. The Psychoactive Substances Bill will prohibit and disrupt the production, distribution, sale and supply of psychoactive substances in the UK. The Bill is currently progressing through Parliament. The new legislation places a blanket ban on all psychoactive (or mind altering) substances, and introduces a list of exemptions for those in everyday use, such as alcohol, coffee and medicines which are regulated elsewhere, as well as drugs already banned under Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Acas has produced useful guidance on what employers should consider and also offer a range of advice and support for businesses and individuals dealing with alcohol and drug issues in the workplace.
Acas Workplace Trends Report 20 January 2015
Acas has produced a report identifying some of the main issues they think will impact on the workplace in the coming year. Topics include labour productivity, pay, leadership, communication, the Trade Union Bill, zero-hours contracts and outsourcing.
The Acas Workplace Trends Report for 2016 discusses how the workplace is continually evolving, bringing opportunities and challenges and how best to manage workplace relationships and delivering success.
In this report thought-leaders discuss:
leadership
improving productivity the art of communication
giving voice to a better way of working
encouraging positive behaviours in tackling bullying at work the psychology of productivity.
This report gives some great insights and food for thought for everyone in the workplace and will help with planning and decision making into the future
Whistleblowing: list of prescribed people and bodies 4 February 2016
If an individual wants to report malpractice to someone other than their employer, there is a prescribed list to ensure the correct person or body receives the issue.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) has published an up to date whistleblowing list which details prescribed people and bodies that individuals can report malpractice to, other than their employer.
The whistleblowing list also includes a brief description about the matters that can be reported to each prescribed person or body.
What is whistle blowing? ‘Whistleblowing’ is when a worker reports suspected wrongdoing at work. Officially this is called ‘making a disclosure in the public interest’. A worker can report things that aren’t right, are illegal or if anyone at work is neglecting their duties, including:
CIPP Policy News Journal
25/04/2016, Page 59 of 453
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