Few companies test their workers for drugs but most employers would consider it if they thought productivity or health and safety was being affected by drug or alcohol problems.

This is according to a new report.

A survey of 204 firms showed only a handful tested their staff for drugs and one in ten were planning to introduce testing within the next year.

But half of those questioned by the independent inquiry into drug testing at work said they did not believe testing sent the wrong message to staff and only a third saw any conflict with workers' human rights.

Thursday July 17, 2003