Network Rail's Response to Our Concerns: A Call for Fair and Transparent Policy
Network Rail has reaffirmed its blanket ban on unlicensed medicines including CBPMs. PatientsCann UK believes this policy breaches the Equality Act 2010 on multiple grounds — and the fight for fair treatment continues.
The Policy Under Scrutiny
Network Rail's updated Drugs & Alcohol Policy (NRA24-13) insists that only licensed medicines with established safety data sheets be used by employees. While safety is paramount, this policy fails to account for individual circumstances.
In a recent response, the Director of Occupational Health & Wellbeing reaffirmed the policy under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, the blanket ban on unlicensed medicines raises serious concerns.
Equality Act Breaches
Grounds for Concern
The policy fails to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities or chronic conditions, forcing them to choose between essential treatment and their employment. This lack of accommodation directly contradicts the legal protections afforded under the Equality Act 2010.
In modern clinical practice, unlicensed medicines are frequently prescribed and subject to individual risk assessments. The blanket categorisation of these treatments as unsafe ignores the rigorous oversight provided by specialist consultants and the MHRA, which ensures that such treatments meet strict regulatory standards.
The policy is applied uniformly to all employees — from safety-critical railway engineers to non-critical administrative staff. Such an indiscriminate approach does not account for the differing risk profiles across job roles. Other potentially impairing medications, such as opioids, are managed on a case-by-case basis — medical cannabis should be no different.
Share Your Story
If you or someone you know has been affected by this policy, we want to hear from you. Your experience can help challenge this injustice and push for fairer workplace practices.
