Drug and alcohol abuse in North Yorkshire's workplaces is being investigated by experts.

The North Yorkshire and City of York Drug Action Team has sent questionnaires to businesses in the region asking for evidence of any problems caused by drug use.

It also asks how companies would deal with employees suspected of using illicit substances.

The results could help Britain's "Drug Tsar" Keith Hellawell draw up new national policies on the issue.

Team co-ordinator Hugo Luck said: "The team would like to gain further information regarding the presence and treatment of drug and alcohol use by employees in the workplace."

He said if firms had not drawn up their own policies for dealing with drug-related issues the multi-agency team could help them in doing so.

Mr Hellawell's national annual report draws attention to absenteeism and accidents at work which are related to abuse.

The Forensic Science Services concluded that: "The increasing incidence of drug misuse in Britain is being reflected by a growing proportion of drug users in employment, and a drug-free workforce can no longer be taken for granted by employers."

During a visit to York, the National Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator said it was important there was national guidance and leadership on this issue. But Mr Hellawell added he wanted employers, unions and the workforce to be involved in drawing up national policies and the process was likely to take some time.

The local Drug Action Team questionnaires have been sent out to businesses and workplaces including those connected with the armed forces, the media, tourism, catering and retailing.

Employers have been assured that the feedback will be confidential, and Mr Luck said any information that was given to Mr Hellawell's office would include only general statistics and would not name employers.

But he said the main purpose of the survey was to help provide the York and North Yorkshire team with details of drugs problems within the local area.

The survey asks if employers see the potential for drug and alcohol use to affect workers' performance and if they are aware of any costs to the business that may have been caused by misuse.

It also offers companies a chance to take part in training and awareness events.

Research suggests that drug- using employees achieve only 67 per cent of their work potential, are more likely to be involved in accidents, are three times more likely to require sick leave and ten times more likely to be absent than non-drug taking colleagues.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.