A report by the Human Genetics Advisory Commission (HGAC) says genetic testing in employment should not be banned, but should only be used to protect staff.

It adds that employees should not be required to take a genetic test by their employers.

Scientists predict they will soon be able to map the entire human genetic make-up.

This has led to concerns about the possibility of genetic testing being used to discriminate against certain groups of people.

The HGAC says that it should not be used to provide information on conditions or predispositions to a condition which could lead to a person having to take a higher than average number of days off sick.

The two circumstances in which it may be used, says the HGAC, are:

• To detect a condition which may place a person or other staff at risk
• In situations where it might affect specific aspects of their job.

The report also stipulates that data protection principles should apply to genetic testing at work to protect employees.

Sickle cell anaemia

The Ministry of Defence is one of the few UK employers which uses genetic testing.

It currently tests air crew for sickle cell anaemia, but is reviewing its policy.

People with sickle cell have sickle-shaped red blood cells which have trouble squeezing through small blood vessels.

This can lead to blockages and oxygen shortage.

The result can be severe pain, organ damage and, in extreme cases, death.

The main group affected in the UK is Afro-Caribbeans.

Estimates suggest as many as one in 60 Afro-Caribbeans may have the disease.

Experts say they should avoid jobs which involve extreme changes in temperature and exposure to low oxygen concentrations.

But the Trades Union Congress says many people are carriers of the disease, but never go on to develop it.

Estimates suggest as many as one in 10 Afro-Caribbeans may have sickle cell trait.

Genetic testing tends only to show predisposition to disease, rather than whether a person actually has it.

The TUC believes the Ministry of Defence's position is discriminatory and says a similar policy in the US was abandonned for those reasons.

Scientists predict they will soon be able to map man's entire genetic sequence

It supports the HGAC's findings, saying it is "pretty tough on genetic testing".

A spokesman said he knew of very few UK companies which use genetic testing.

Some that do have very good reasons, it says.

Crime experts involved in DNA testing are genetically tested to avoid confusion over evidence.

The TUC is "very happy" with the HGAC's decision to hand over responsibility for monitoring and analysing developments in genetic testing to the Health and Safety Commission, in consultation with genetic experts, unions and employers.

The HGAC, which began consulting on the issue of employment and genetic testing in February 1998, says policy should be reviewed in five years and that eventually a common set of principles on genetic testing should be drawn up.