Move towards work drug testing

Four out of five employers would be prepared to drug-test their employees if they thought productivity was at stake, a survey found.
The research for the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work found that very few firms at present test their workers for banned substances.

However, the survey found there was pressure on firms to carry out testing.

The inquiry was set up to work out if there was a need for such testing and to offer models for the best way to go about it.

Ruth Evans, chairwoman of the inquiry, said: "There is growing pressure on employers to carry out workplace drugs testing but little evidence or guidance to help them decide if, when and how they should do it.

"Our inquiry will examine the legal, ethical and economic implications, and recommend a transparent framework for employers considering drug testing at work.