Firm lands new deal to screen airline staff

A COMPANY based in Barnsley, which helps to keep the world’s skies safer by testing airline staff for drugs and alcohol, has announced a major expansion.

Screen4, which works with several international airlines, including Emirates, has now secured a contract to carry out drug and alcohol testing for the Australian national carrier Qantas.

The company, which is being supported by business support programme Enterprising Barnsley, is also in talks with other major airlines.

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Screen4 manufactures and distributes kits that can test urine, oral fluid and breath samples for alcohol and drugs. It also supplies testing kits and collection services to the shipping industry, to NHS drug and alcohol projects and to prisons.

Jon May, director of Carlton-based Screen4, said: “Drug and alcohol misuse can be a real danger, especially if it involves people working in safety-critical areas where other people’s lives could be put at risk. So having a robust testing system in place is vital.

“We are aiming to be the provider of choice for airlines across the world. I don’t think there is another drug testing company with such an extensive network of collection agents. And we are adding to that list on an almost daily basis.

“We provide a service that protects our customers, their staff and the public. However, the main aim is not to catch people out but to have a system in place that discourages risky behaviour in the first place.”

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Mr May established Screen4 in September 2009, and has continued to expand the business with help from Enterprising Barnsley, which uses European funding to help local firms.

Martin Beasley, programme manager for Enterprising Barnsley, said: “It’s great to see businesses in Barnsley having an influence around the world and it’s great to feel that we can help fly the flag for the town in places as far away as Australia.”

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