Our Ref:         FOI-0161-1920

Thank you for your request received on 15 April 2019 asking for information about our Drug and Alcohol Assessment and Treatment Service.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm we do hold the information you require.

TfL is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.

The safety of employees and customers is of paramount importance. A major factor in this respect is the ability of those who work for us to carry out their jobs safely, effectively and to the best of their ability. Therefore TfL will operate a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and/or drug use to minimise any safety risks to customers and its employees. Standards have been set for employees detailing the requirements and responsibilities regarding alcohol and/or drugs, to ensure that their work performance is not affected in any way by their consumption. Any employee who is taking medication has a responsibility under the company's Drugs and Work Standard to check with their doctor (or other medical practitioner); dentist or pharmacist if the medication they are taking could reduce vigilance or adversely affect their work performance.

TfL are committed to supporting employees who come forward to the Drugs and Alcohol Assessment Treatment Service (DAATS) or to their line manager with an alcohol and/or drugs related problem. DAATS was established to provide assistance for employees who are experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drugs with the aim of returning them safely back to the workplace. When an alcohol and/or drug use problem occurs, employees will be given reasonable support and advice in dealing with the problem. If an employee fails to inform DAATS or their line manager before a breach of this policy, TfL is unlikely to afford any additional support and appropriate action will be taken through the disciplinary procedure.

You asked for:

• The total number of employees who accessed the service in 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19

There are circa 28,000 employed by TfL, all of whom have access to the DAATS, of these the following have accessed the service:

2015/16 36
2016/17 54
2017/18 36
2018/19 40

• The total net cost to Transport for London in 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 for running DAATS

Please find the requested information below:

2015/16 £302k
2016/17 £373k
2017/18 £333k
2018/19 £326k

The above costs include an estimate for the costs of part-time counsellors (0.6 Full Time Equivalent per year) procured on an agency basis.

Some ancillary costs, such as charges from specialist laboratories for test results, or from GPs for medical reports are not included. These charges are not broken down between the various functions of TfL Occupational Health. No costs have been included for overheads such as rent or rates, or other general departmental costs.

If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Gemma Jacob
Senior FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
[email protected]