Colombia has passed a law meaning employees can no longer be sacked for being drunk or high on drugs at work, it has been reported.

A change in legislation means staff can only be punished for being under the influence of narcotics or stimulants 'if it has a direct effect on workplace performance.'

The controversial tweak to labour legislation was made by Colombia's Constitutional Court.

Colombia has passed a law meaning employees can no longer be sacked for being drunk or high on drugs at work, it has been reported (file picture)

Previously, rules placed a blanket ban on working under the influence, according to El Pais.

But the prohibition was challenged by two law students from Bucaramanga Uniciencia University, in northern Colombia.

They argued that it conflicted with other extracts from the legislation which included the protection of equality of all people before the law and of opportunity for all workers.

It also provides state protection for 'those people who, because of their economic, physical or mental condition, find themselves in demonstrably weakened circumstances', El Pais reports.

A change in legislation means staff can only be punished for being under the influence of narcotics or stimulants 'if it has a direct effect on workplace performance' (file picture)

The court sided with the students but outlined exemptions for any activities that put workers, their workmates or third parties at risk.

A ban on being under the influence can still be imposed by an employer if it is in their 'legitimate interest that workers carry out their work duties in an adequate manner.'

However, workers will avoid disciplinary measures if an employed is unable to show the 'negative impact that the consumption of psychoactive substances has on the obligations of employees,' reports El Pais.

Lifting the ban has divided opinion in Colombia. While some agree with the move, others have argued that it will have a negative impact on society.