1M BRIT WORKERS DRUGGED
UP to a million Brits turn up for work off their heads on illegal drugs.
UP to a million Brits turn up for work off their heads on illegal drugs.
Narcotics experts found one in 30 workers tested positive for cannabis, cocaine or heroin while on duty, with others popping banned pills in the workplace.
The survey, by testing firm Concateno, found the numbers had shot up by nearly 50% since 2007.
The report warned: "With drug use in the UK among the highest in Europe, the use of drugs in the workplace is a significant health, safety and financial risk for UK businesses."
Alarmingly, some who tested positive worked as truckers and drivers of public transport and emergency services vehicles.
One firm that tested employees found one in 10 of them had a cocktail of multiple drugs in their system.
Those aged between 25 and 34 were most commonly doped up, while men are three times more likely to be high at work than their female colleagues.
Concateno director Dr Claire George said: "The positivity rate of 3% shows drug use in the workplace is an issue that employers should be aware of.
"These are conservative figures across the workplace, when you consider how many companies do not have a screening programme in place.
"Concateno has seen an increase in the number of businesses seeking assistance with drug and alcohol screening programmes to deter and reduce the risks associated with drug use in the workplace."
Dr George fears increasing drug taking contributed to almost 200 workplace deaths last year, and 200,000 injuries at work.
01/07/2012 www.dailystar.co.uk
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