I handed my notice and left my old job and have now started a new job today is day 1 and they have tried to drug test me and I told them I’m on medical cannabis and was told I need to change my medication and come off my medication.
I was also told that sapphire is not a certified doctors and any one can get cannabis and that my medication was still prohibited and prescription ain’t deemed a genuine prescription like if I got it off a GP.
What can I do ?
UPDATE :::::
I was called into the office shortly after posting and was sent home till they do there investigation and I can get a letter from sapphire.
Apparently they will allow me to work in the yard (I’m a fully qualified and competent engineer) till it’s sorted but surely if I’m fine to one I’m fine to do the other .
And there reason for not trusting sapphire is because they are Harley st and any one can get a prescription.
Even went as far to say if I’m 2 stone in weight I could get sliming pills from Harley st because I’m paying .
Total joke if I needed an asthma pump it wouldn’t be an issue but they want me to change my prescription to pharmaceuticals (pills ) not thc .
Update of update :
I have had HR contact me at 8.30pm and say it’s not sapphire or my medication (seems thay realised they discriminated against me ). I need a letter from sapphire stating that the medication will not make my job unsafe (I’m an engineer) and I good to do the job which I am fully competent to do my job . Luckily I have an appointment booked with sapphire tomorrow so fingers crossed 🤞 will update again with final result .
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24 comments
Bruno
- 4y
Rep: 6255 Lvl: Gold
That's so fucked up. Honestly I'd be looking at other jobs if I was you.
But since you asked
Some ideas....
1.You can show them Sapphire are recognised on the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=152868
2. You can contact sapphire and ask them if the prescribing doctor could write a note, never tried this but maybe something to ensure that it is a legal prescription.
3. You can get a copy of your FP10 from pharmacist or if in England show them the prescription is on your NHS file using the app.
4. Remind them that they're in no position to dictate what medicines you can have unless there's a justifiable reason (being stoned while driving a bus etc). Really depends depends on the job role. Without a legitimate reason they would be in breach of the equality act AFAIK.
5. You can also contact Mackrell solicitors for legal advice https://www.mackrell.com/ they've worked with a lot of cannabis businesses and patients.
38
JonEmalo
- 4y
Rep: 4834 Lvl: Gold
This is disgusting behaviour from your employers. I hope you can get this resolved.
21
KevinBop
- 4y
Rep: 3739 Lvl: Gold
I would email a request to whoever said the above to you - to please put that in writing (email you and cc the HR department)
don't mention legal action or a lawyer -
just capture as much as you can, and take time off (for all the stress / insomnia you've been having from it all) Use this time to get legal counsel.
Time to take these fucks to the cleaners.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Remember its just a job. You were fine before you had it and youll be so much better off once youre in a better place. That being said, the law is on your side and you will win.
16
Steveo
- 4y
Rep: 3994 Lvl: Gold
Get that in writing, then take legal action if necessary!
16
Janas
- 4y
Rep: 3862 Lvl: Gold
Let them go through with this with the minimum explaining from you. Document every conversation. If you are talking face-to-face or on the phone then record it.
If they dismiss you for this they are breaking employment law. You do not need to tell them this - all you need to do is start legal action when they have incriminated themselves satisfactorily.
14
KennethTix
- 4y
Rep: 4038 Lvl: Gold
Utter balls, I would walk away from that lying ass job already 💯🤣🤣🤣 once they start making there own rules and laws your pumped, obviously they know better than your doctor 😉🤣
13
Killerhazard
- 4y
Rep: 4753 Lvl: Gold
They can't do that, they don't know what they're on about.
I work in pharmacy, have expert knowledge of prescribing requirements and all the other fun that goes along with that.
It is prescribed by a doctor, registered in the UK by the General Medical Council who will also be on a Specialist Register as being someone who can prescribed Cannabis products.
I would give them the number of your consultant and tell them to call them and tell them they're not a proper doctor or that Sapphire isn't a proper clinic and anyone can get it. Don't think the consultants will take that too lightly!
This is 100% discrimination.
Makes zero difference where or how your medication is prescribed or in fact what it even is. As long as its prescribed by a legal prescriber, e.g your doc at Sapphire.
Don't worry, take your medication, you have a right to be well.
Only thing is, as with any medication that can alter alertness or create an impairment, you've got to know how you react and that you're safe e.g "don't use heavy machinery etc etc...."
7
Ilona
- 4y
Rep: 3758 Lvl: Gold
Write to them and ask them formally to adjust their drugs policy as a reasonable adjustment in line with the equality act.
I'm always up for the fight but unless it's a job you're particularly keen for I'd be tempted to find somewhere that doesn't treat you like a piece of shit prior to your first day.
Good luck
7
Medicated81
- 4y
Rep: 3692 Lvl: Gold
Tell em to bollocks. Im a spark on massive sites and have no problem i did however go ans get a private occupational health assessment as im self employed. Thats a legal document
6
skyred
- 4y
Rep: 5054 Lvl: Gold
Let them drug test then fire you and then drag them through the courts.
6
Charlesfluit
- 4y
Rep: 4074 Lvl: Gold
I would try to get the conversation down on paper / email if its just verbal I could see them denying it latter or changing there story.
6
Samhoi
- 4y
Rep: 5756 Lvl: Gold
https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/support-for-prescribers/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=Private%20Doctors%20who%20are%20on,the%20result%20of%20multidisciplinary%20discussion.
The above is a useful resource for any of your employers saying clinics aren't legit, prescription is legal, it's not NHS and all the other nonsense we are hearing.
Lots of useful information.
3
HenryBig
- 4y
Rep: 4657 Lvl: Gold
Sounds like lots of opinions from them and not many facts. Whilst they may not like it your prescription has been approved by a board of docs who risk their reputation to prescribe to you can can only prescribe under certain circumstances. You can suggest if this can't be amicably resolved you may have to look at raising a case for discrimination.
3
skyred
- 4y
Rep: 5054 Lvl: Gold
Sounds like they are just ripe for being sued. These employers are ridiculous, surely they would check these things before actually saying them. Get everything in writing & seek legal help.
3
Pepperbear
- 4y
Rep: 5279 Lvl: Gold
If you have a condition (mental or physical) that has an effect on your daily activities, you are covered by the Equality Act 2010.
The company needs to update the misuse of drugs and alcohol policy under the Equality Act.
Get as much written evidence as possible and you'd have a strong case for discrimination.
3
Killerhazard
- 4y
Rep: 4753 Lvl: Gold
Ask for it in writing and then send them a short response with pure facts.
If they continue to be ignorant go straight to ACAS.
Are you in a union?
Did you declare your conditions when you signed up?
If you can afford not to use legal aid I'd suggest trying a self funded route or see if Mackerel or another firm can assist.
Good luck.
3
Andy1010101010
- 4y
Rep: 5336 Lvl: Gold
1 they are talking bollocks
2 you cannot drug test anyone without genuine written permission prior to drug testing, you absolutely must consent contractually before they can drug test you. Examples… the police… rail staff etc.
Your prescription is a private medical script via a qualified and regulated GP and it has been doubly confirmed/ deemed appropriate via a certified board.
Again, they are talking bollocks
Also, next time do the test and fail it. As there is a chance you might not and you can always just say “must be my prescription meds causing that to ping” and when they ask what they are just say, it’s a long name I can’t remember I’ll have to provide details to HR etc etc.
2
Spaceman7
- 4y
Rep: 3246 Lvl: Gold
Who the fuck are you working for dude?
2
Jax
- 4y
Rep: 4153 Lvl: Gold
New job time
EDIT I agree with the above about this not being acceptable. For me, this would be a huge red flag and I would be looking for another job. Good sign for me I wouldn’t be happy with this company long term
2
Mashpal
- 4y
Rep: 4361 Lvl: Gold
I am also in an Engineering role, I'm more concerned that they will pull the heavy machinery card, is this not an issue for you in your role? Engineering is quite broad but usually they can call it a health and safety consern and that's that.
1
GlenBot
- 4y
Rep: 4195 Lvl: Gold
How have you managed to get on with this?
1
Jerrylatty
- 4y
Rep: 4709 Lvl: Gold
Fuck these stupid employers for real. How power hungry do you have to be to try and tell someone which medication they can take for THEIR health needs. wtf. wtf wtf wtf. I would just quit personally, would not want to work for a company who represents the values of the cunt who told you all of this
1
Andy1010101010
- 4y
Rep: 5336 Lvl: Gold
A minefield all the advise is spot on and I have contacted acas makerall I’m in the union still 6 months later nothing resolved so unless it’s a job u value it’s a stressful and if you need to pay them a brief 400£ a hour
1
Ihopeyouknow
- 4y
Rep: 3963 Lvl: Gold
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1