Worker fired for failing drugs test receives £24,000 compensation

A truck driver fired for failing a drug test has been awarded $32,300 (£24,397) in compensation by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

Gary McLeod was fired from his job as a rubbish truck driver for Envirowaste in April last year, following a drug test result coming back “non-negative.”

The ERA has ruled that McLeod was unjustifiably dismissed; stating there was no evidence McLeod had taken any drugs or was under the influence while at work.

In April, Envirowaste nominated McLeod to undertake a random drug test, which resulted in a "non-negative" outcome – Stuff.co.nz reports.