Should I stay or go?

jenhug

why not consider doing party plan? not all of them need a cash outlay. if it doesn't work out you can go to another employer and say you ran your own business?

Pee

I don't know anyone in the real world who would judge you for this, although that doesn't seem to be the case on here. Most of the Tory cabinet have done what you have done and rightly refuse to discuss it, as I understand it Bill Clinton just wasn't as bright as you about how the breathing in bit worked... My bosses were late teens or a bit older in the sixties. I don't think they would be shocked to find that this happens sometimes at parties. (I agree it would be quite different if you were at work. In the same way that I often drink but would be appalled if someone drank at work and I work in an office without any obvious safety issues.)

Could you speak to someone else in the Union or ACAS? Is there an anonymous support line for people in your profession? I would be inclined to take legal advice.

As to whether you move to London, you want us to tell you "no" I think, and if that's what you want the answer to be, that's what the answer is for you. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't right annd if it did feel right, that's a big step to move in whilst job hunting away from friends and support and live somewhere too small for two people...

basscadette

Can't belive you can be fired for smoking a bit of a joint in your own free time. Is there anything in your contract to say that you're not allowed to do that in your free time? You could have been to Netherlands, where it is legal! I wouldn't let this go if I was you - maybe you should try and see a solicitor. WHilst you probably wouldn't get your job back, you might get paid compensation for the way you have been treated.

People are really weird sometimes. Difficult not to judge? For a few puffs on a joint? This is the second thread I have seen this week with such a total over-reaction to something that is so common and relatively acceptable - so much so the government considered legalising it!

ikati5

In the same position I would stay where I had friends and family, especially my dog, work in the local pub and take 3 to 6 months out. During that time, enjoy your time off, do some gardening, walks, visit friends, take stock an you will know what you want/need to do next when the time is right

Right now, you have a roof over your head and a close friend near by, in 6 months any prospective employer will realise the whole party / joint thing was a silly mistake 6 months prior to your application. Losing your job is punishment, warning enough.

Savvy_Sue

onlyroz wrote: »

I am surprised such a thing would lead to instant dismissal and the revoking of your qualifications - have you sought legal advice?

It does sound quite extreme, and I wonder, did they follow all their procedures correctly? Do you have the right of appeal? If you do, I'd use it!

ziggy2004 wrote: »

I think your best bet is to show that you are taking what happened seriously. Could you attend some voluntary drug abuse counselling? This can then be used to show future employers how you worked to put it behind you.

I think some employers would require this in certain situations - rather than sacking for a first offence, you'd be required to show that you were getting help. However, that does seem to suggest that there is a 'problem', that your drug use is habitual rather occasional. Which is it, honestly?

Curlywurli wrote: »

You say you've been helping your friend with her husband, what about care work.

Could be difficult, if a care employer finds out you were dismissed for a failed drugs test I wouldn't expect you to hold that job for long, so you WILL need to be up front about this, "I was stupid, it was a one-off, I've learned from the experience and will never smoke a joint again" kind of thing.

However, if you have the right of appeal in your current job, I'd say you have nothing to lose by appealing. Go above your union rep and see if you can get some proper support. Argue that the result showed it wasn't any of the hard drugs ... that it was the first time ... that you were in an environment where funny baccy was being smoked so inevitable that some of it would contaminate your test etc.

If you find your company's disciplinary and grievance procedure and post the facts on the Employment board, including timescales, you may get some more help there. I'm presuming it was gross misconduct according to your employer. However if you've left it too long, then there's probably nothing you can do.

scottishlass72

Thanks again, all. My contract did stipulate that random drug testing could be performed and testing positive would mean dismissal for gross misconduct. In the years that I worked there this was the first time they performed a drug test so I suppose it didn't really cross my mind as a possibility that night at the party. I'd had a few drinks, was feeling good, wasn't really thinking about work. That's what I feel the most stupid about - not thinking about the possible consequences of my actions. The contract plus the fact that I admitted to the drug use plus the response from my union rep is what makes me feel I don't have a legal case.

I really do appreciate the advice. I'm coming to terms with what has happened and making peace with it, and I know I'll be ok no matter what. I won't be moving to London or giving up my dog. I'm not quite sure what I will do, but that option has been taken off the table thanks to the great advice here.

Emmzi

you know, you might till move to London. but if it feels like the right thing to do, not as a knee jerk reaction. you have lots of options. but you need a little more time for now.

cazziebo

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I think some employers would require this in certain situations - rather than sacking for a first offence, you'd be required to show that you were getting help. However, that does seem to suggest that there is a 'problem', that your drug use is habitual rather occasional. Which is it, honestly?

.

Just to reinforce how draconian this is, there is no argument against a failed drug test with many employers. These tests are used by many of the major utility companies and contracts of employment amended to reflect that instant dismissal will be the result. Ironically, one organisation I know makes only one exception and that is for alcohol abuse, where counselling is offered.

So, in Scottishlass's defence, this might have been the first time ever, and the test will still have shown positive. It is not indicative of any long term issue, and ridiculously, long term drug abusers will not be detected if they have not injected or snorted in the past 30 hours.

It is very unfair. If she'd had her fingers in the till, or was completely incompetent, she would have had a more lenient judgement and potential to appeal

abacus73

I would also advise not to rush into moving in with the boyfriend. It doesn't sound as if that would be a good idea. At the moment you can cope financially.

See how things go with this guy. If you do decide to give it a go with him and see what job opportunities lie in London, dont sell your property. You advised us you own it outright. While you were in London could you not rent it out and generate an income from it. This gives you options if living with the boyfriend didn't work out also.

Torry_Quine

It does seem harsh but it is one of the conditions of employment and they aren't to know that it's a one off.

I hope that you manage to put this behind you and find a suitable place of employment.

Hope this acts as a warning to others that illegal drug taking is not worth the risk as regards employment