However, the majority of employers (76%) said the fear of the potential legal repercussions of genetically screening staff would put them off.
Of those employers not interested in offering genetic screening as a potential benefit, 43% said they might reconsider their view in the future if better legislation were introduced to protect employees (24%) and employers (19%).
A further 16% said they would re-consider their view if the results of genetic testing could serve to reduce the cost of key person insurance, and another 16% said businesses would need to be guaranteed advice on supporting employees found to be at higher genetic risk of developing serious illness.
Although European legislation prevents businesses gaining access to employee genetic data, 22% of the 600 leaders questioned admitted that knowledge of an employee’s genetic risk of disease would be likely to lead to discrimination (for example, a greater risk of redundancy or not being promoted).
Baroness Helena Kennedy, vice president of the patient’s association and former chair of the Human Genetics Commission, is not in favour of employers offering screenings. She said: “Some US technology companies are offering employees DNA screening to identify the risk of cancers, and holding out the promise of personalised treatment based on their genetic make-up should they need it.
“However, I would urge UK businesses not to follow suit – certainly not without thinking very carefully about the wider implications to them and their employees. It is not just a matter of potential discrimination and lawsuits, but also of the health benefits to those being tested.”
Only 4% of those questioned support the genetic screening of CEOs and top management to ensure they are fit and healthy enough to do their job.
Among employees, 16% of workers said they would be interested in genetic testing if offered and 26% would refuse a test for fear of discrimination.
Astellas Pharma president and CEO Ken Jones said his company would not offer widespread genetic screening “unless we knew there was real health benefit”.
He added: “As a progressive company we look forward to a future where we can develop personalised treatments fine-tuned to an individual’s genetic make-up. But, as an organisation that places a primary emphasis on ethics, we know that these innovations can only achieve their full potential if their wider implications are taken into careful consideration.”
