Over 1 Million UK Workers Tested: Drug Use in the Workplace Exposed

John Last updated: June 4, 2025

New research highlights the alarming prevalence of drug use in the workplace, with over one million people in the UK reportedly turning up for work with drugs in their system. The study found that one in 30 employees tested at work last year had taken narcotics, including cannabis, cocaine, and opiates.

It’s not just manual workers who are being caught by their employers—many of those tested were professionals such as teachers, police officers, surgeons, and drivers. The data comes from an analysis of 1.7 million tests conducted last year for some of Britain’s most well-known firms and organisations.

These figures illuminate the grim state of the UK’s alcohol and drug issues. Recent statistics disclose that Britain’s illegal drug market is valued at £6 billion per year, with £1 billion attributed to cocaine alone.

About the author

Article author

John

John’s has dedicated his life to finding treatment for those with addictions and supporting their families. A business manager for 20 years in the construction industry John’s own experience of addiction led him to found his own rehab centre group in Scotland. John qualified as a counsellor for people with substance misuse during his time working as a therapist and manager for the foundation. He also trained as an interventionist and appeared on ITV as a consultant helping families impacted by addiction. He has helped thousands of people in recovery and his knowledge of the rehabilitations process and the addiction experience is unparalleled.

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