NorthLink ferry staff caught out by alcohol and drug tests

Six members of staff onboard NorthLink ferries have been caught out by random alcohol and drug tests.

The employees were either sacked or resigned after on-the-spot checks showed positive results almost two weeks ago.

Four of the workers were seasonal employees on the Hamnavoe, one was a temporary steward on Hascosay and the other was a temporary electrician on board Hjaltland.

NorthLink has a “zero tolerance” policy to drugs and alcohol – a breach of which leads to disciplinary action and could result workers instantly losing their jobs.

A spokesman for the company said: “I can confirm that some 12 days ago random testing brought six cases of individuals testing positively for alcohol, and all have been dismissed or have resigned of their own accord.

“Our alcohol testing policy has been in existence virtually since the start of NorthLink operating the contract seven years ago.

“It’s a zero tolerance policy known to all employees, breach of which means disciplinary action which could lead to instant dismissal. Again, a scenario known to all staff. In the business that we’re in, customers would expect nothing less from us.”