Individual Research Essay

“During 2013-14 NDTMS (National Drug Treatment Monitoring System) reported 114,920 clients aged 18 to 75 and in contact with structured treatment citing alcohol as their primary problematic substance. In addition, there were a further 34,237 clients aged 18 to 75 who cited alcohol misuse as an adjunctive problem to a range of other primary problematic substances. It is expected that these clients will have received treatment for their alcohol misuse alongside treatment for these other problematic substances.”  (http://www.nta.nhs.uk/ )

Please read the following scenario.

This is the story of Alexanda Johnson, a cook in an established primary school kitchen, known to friends simply as "Alex." Her employers once described her as an employee with great potential. Alex changed all that within a year.

Her managers began to notice that she would come in late for work smelling of alcohol; however her manager is not certain of how to handle the situation as there is no evidence on her to suggest she is drinking on the job.

Furthermore, Alex’s is a cook in the kitchen. The work has proven to be more stressful than normal as two members of the primary school’s kitchen staff are off on long term illness. This has created very stressful working environment for Alex.

Her managers would like to support Alex in whatever way they could, however there is no clear company policy on drinking/being under the influence at work.

They are concerned about Alex - her position as a cook in a primary school could potentially be hazardous with her drinking conditions, also herself as a person. She was once a highly valued team member, and most importantly, her working environment have become very stressful.

Her managers are also concerned about the school’s role in this situation. As an employer they have a legal and obligatorily responsibility for Alex’s wellbeing and also the wellbeing of other staff members and pupils alike within the school.

Task 1

Discuss the employers’ obligations and liabilities in respect to Alex’s ability to perform her job. You should make reference to health and safety legislation.

Task 2

As the School Business Manager (SBM – responsible for premises management, plays a role in recruitment and manages the non-teaching staff) for the school you have to deal with the immediate issue of Alex and also how best to avoid future issues.

Identify and evaluate HRM best practice strategies for managing alcohol and stress in the school. You should make reference to both formal and informal ways that employers might use to deal with this issue.