Workers offered free ADHD tests at Disney and Phoenix

DISNEY and Phoenix Group have joined the growing list of companies offering to test workers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) amid soaring NHS waiting lists.

Phoenix, the UK’S largest long-term savings and retirement business, is offering private assessments and diagnoses to employees and their dependents under its healthcare plan.

The FTSE 100 insurer will also cover tests for other neurological conditions such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, which is where people have difficulty understanding numbers.

Disney offers all employees ADHD and autism assessments. It also provides workers with online access to nurses, speech and language therapists, and psychiatrists.

Businesses are under pressure to increase private healthcare benefits for workers with neural conditions amid concerns that NHS delays are leaving many without support. The NHS backlog means patients can be waiting up to 300 days for an autism diagnosis, and as much as seven years for an ADHD one.

Magic circle law firms Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Allen & Overy have all introduced workplace schemes which help lawyers with ADHD diagnostics and support. Big Four auditor PWC UK also provides testing for neurological conditions including dysgraphia, a disorder where people have difficulty reading and writing.

Last week, the NHS launched a national investigation into ADHD in response to concerns over soaring demand for assessments and national medicine shortages. Experts have warned that NHS waiting times are forcing patients to seek treatment from rogue private health clinics.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said: “We have recognised that more needs to be done to ensure people can get a timely diagnosis and importantly, that all of their needs are addressed.”