A support worker who drank on the job at a care home – and then uploaded a video to Snapchat – has been banned from working in the industry.

Lawrie Hutchison has been struck off by Scotland’s care watchdog for the misconduct.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) said the bad behaviour amounted to an “abuse of trust” as Hutchison was on a night shift and meant to be “responsible and dependable”.

In a written ruling published on Wednesday, the SSSC said: “By drinking alcohol on shift, you placed vulnerable residents in your care at unnecessary risk of harm.

“This type of behaviour calls into question your reliability and dependability to care for those most vulnerable who use services.

“Your actions could have had significant consequences had any service users been exposed to your behaviour and this could have placed them at risk of harm.

“This behaviour falls far below the standards expected of social service workers and calls into question your judgement and character.”

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The SSSC said the video posted on Snapchat, while Hutchison was under the influence of alcohol, could have been seen by colleagues or members of the public – bringing the care home into disrepute.

The incident occurred in August 2022 while Hutchison was working at Mossview Care Home in Lochgelly, Fife.

Although no harm was caused to residents, the SSSC ruled that Hutchison’s fitness to practise was impaired.

A colleague was said to have provided positive information on Hutchison’s work and relationship with residents.

The SSSC noted that it appeared to be an isolated incident, but said Hutchison failed to engage with its investigation.

The watchdog added: “You have not provided any explanation for your behaviour, demonstrated insight into this or provided any reassurance that this will not be repeated.

“You have not worked in the care sector since this incident. In the circumstances, we can only conclude that there is a risk of this type of behaviour being repeated.

“If this were repeated, residents could be placed at direct risk of harm and therefore there is a need to protect the public and uphold clear standards of conduct and practice.”

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In conclusion, the SSSC said a removal order was the “most appropriate sanction” to maintain the “continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession”.

The removal order came into effect on Wednesday.

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