Ministers advised on genetic testing in the workplace

Limited use of genetic testing at work to allow the detection of conditions that may put the employee or others in danger has been cautiously approved by government advisors in the UK.

The report, published last week by the Human Genetics Advisory Commission, does not recommend a total ban on the testing of employees for genes that might predispose them to various conditions. Instead, the report suggests that employers could be allowed to ask for tests to detect a potentially dangerous illness - in the way that pilots are currently tested. In effect, testing should only be for the employees' benefit and not for the benefit of shareholders. The Commission also said that genetic tests should not play a part in recruitment: 'it would not be acceptable for genetic test results to be used to exclude people from employment or advancement on the grounds that they have a predisposition to future ill health'. The Commission also concluded that an individual's 'right not to know' his or her genetic predispositions should be upheld. Individuals should not have to disclose the results of previous genetic tests without clear evidence that the information was needed to assess whether they could do the job safely.

The report also recommends that testing be covered by the principles of data protection. The Commission's recommendations will be considered by the health minister Tessa Jowell and the science minister, Lord Sainsbury.