Teachers strike over random drugs test call
Teachers at an independent special school in Derbyshire are on strike after one of them was asked to take a random drugs test.
Eleven teachers at the Alderwasley Hall School, which is a residential centre as well as a school, are taking action this week.
Their union, the NASUWT, says one teacher was suspended after refusing to take a test, although this was lifted late on Wednesday.
The school is not commenting.
The union says other members of staff have been threatened with dismissal if they refuse to take a test.
Chris Keates, the general secretary of the NASUWT, said: "It is simply unacceptable for an employer to impose a policy of drug and alcohol testing which we believe is unjustified and unlawful and attacks the professionalism of the teachers at the school.
"There is no basis whatsoever for believing that dedicated and committed teachers at Alderwasley Hall School are misusing drugs or alcohol.
"This is simply a case of an employer abusing its position and flagrantly disregarding the rights of its employees."
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... (BBC News - 06 December)