Drug tests hit rural jobs

Rural jobs are going begging as pre-employment drug tests discourage potential job applicants.

A South Taranaki processing plant has noted a downturn in applicants. The company, which did not want to be identified, said that before a drug test was required the phone "rang off the hook" with job seekers.

That had changed to "about a dozen" calls after drug testing was introduced this year.

Half the applicants failed when meat processor PPCS introduced drug tests in the Hawkes Bay 12 months ago, said company human resources manager Gary Williams.

Hawera Meatworkers Union president John Woodhead accepted the tests, but was aware they affected workers' private lives. "The grey area is whether people should be tested before they are employed or whether monitoring workers on the job would be more effective in gauging whether people are impaired."

Tests are largely for illegal substances such as cannabis and methamphetamine but can also be for pseudoephedrine, tranquilisers and legal party pills.

Institute of Environmental Science and Research workplace drug testing programme manager Shelley Turner said tests registered as failed only if they were over a bottom line level. "Being exposed to cannabis smoke at a party will not make an individual fail."

- NZPA