Edinburgh support worker drank alcohol while caring for vulnerable service user despite final warning

A support worker who drank rum while caring for a vulnerable service user has been allowed to remain on the register despite already being handed a final warning for similar incident five years ago.

Fraser Calder from Edinburgh was under investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) which has imposed strict conditions following an incident back in December 2025.

According to the newly released report, Calder drank rum while solely responsible for the care of a vulnerable service user.

It was noted that Calder was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and behaving erratically.

As a support worker for Thera, Calder failed to provide personal care to the service user, which resulted in them being cold, hungry and soaked in urine.

It was also revealed that back in May 2021, Calder was handed a final warning after he carried out his duties whilst drunk.

The watchdog found Calder’s fitness to practice to be impaired due to his drinking.

The report stated: “In 2021, you admitted being under the influence of alcohol at work and showed observable signs of impairment.

“In December 2025, you admitted drinking rum during your shift while lone working and solely responsible for the care of a service user.

“It was reported that you were unsteady on your feet, slurring your words and acting erratically.”

The SSSC did consider factors in favour of Calder which included a positive reference, full cooperation with the SSSC investigation and that he demonstrated meaningful insight, regret and remorse.

The SSSC concluded that strict conditions would be imposed on Calder.

These included informing any future employer of his conditions, a reflective statement, six months of enhanced supervision and regular progress reports for a year.

A spokesperson for Thera Scotland said: “Immediate action was taken in line with safeguarding and reporting requirements.

“The individual concerned was suspended while the matter was investigated, referred to the Scottish Social Services Council, and they are no longer employed by the organisation.

“The safety and wellbeing of the people we support is our highest priority. We take all concerns seriously and work closely with the appropriate authorities and regulatory bodies where required.”