Workers in Britain could soon face an "explosion" in the number of drug tests carried out by their bosses, a new report warned today.

It means employers could soon be using cheap drug kits to test workers for traces of alcohol, cocaine, Ecstasy and cannabis.

The report from the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work warns: "We could be on the cusp of an explosion of drug testing in the UK", and concludes workplace drug tests could become "a fact of everyday working life".

It also warns bosses could be taking on a ‘Big Brother?role of prying into the private lives of workers away from their jobs.

There were also calls today from a senior doctor for surgeons to be given breathalyser and drugs tests before operations.

The report follows an 18-month inquiry which heard evidence from employers and employees, providers of drug testing services, trade unions and business organisations, police, doctors, lawyers and drug experts. Its establishment followed the expansion of workplace drug testing in the United States.

The report states drug testing is likely to increase, although evidence for its impact on performance and even safety is inconclusive. But it said employers have a legitimate interest in drug and alcohol use amongst staff only in a restricted set of circumstances such as criminal activity, critical safety concerns or where worker’s jobs are suffering.

A MORI poll for the inquiry found a majority (78 per cent) of employers would consider drug testing if they believed drugs or alcohol were affecting staff productivity. And 32 per cent of employers believe drug testing does not impact on human rights.

The inquiry said it did not want to see drug testing at work become another trend the UK is importing from the US, where 40-50 per cent of firms drug test workers, meaning 15 million US citizens are tested each year.

The report said drug testing could have a role to play in sectors where safety or public trust is an issue, but not in the majority of workplaces, and should never be used simply to investigate the private lives of staff.

The inquiry was also concerned about the unsatisfactory means for accrediting and regulating drug testing laboratories.

Ruth Evans, chair of the inquiry said: "We know testing is useful in specific safety critical and sensitive industries, however, it is a quantum leap for employers outside of these sectors to advocate drug testing.

"We are in danger of slipping into a situation where employers are taking on a quasi-policing role with respect to the private lives of their staff. Drug testing is no panacea. This is also about understanding unhealthy and stressful work environments contribute to the abuse of drugs and alcohol."

The report called on the Government to produce definitive guidance on drug testing at work, particularly on the legal issues.

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Graeme Catto, president of the General Medical Council, today said random drink and drugs checks on surgeons should be considered.

Figures from the GMC show 100 doctors were disciplined over drink and drugs last year, a 400 per cent increase in three years.

Professor Catto said: "What doctors do is potentially lethal. If the problem is widespread and hidden, random tests have to be considered. The first priority has to be to protect patients."

Prof Catto’s call was dismissed by the British Medical Association and Royal College of Nursing as an infringement of human rights.

A recent survey found 57 per cent of doctors knew a colleague who drank too much.

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