Recruiters may soon be able to use a computer to find out how easily distracted job applicants are thanks to a new test developed by Professor Nilli Lavie, of University College London.

Lavie claims her test could identify people who find it hard to stay focused on the job. She said it could help weed out people who could be a risk in jobs such as pilots and bus drivers.

The latest research uses a series of similar letter puzzles flashed up on a computer screen, measuring the response time for each one. Irrelevant numbers and letters also appeared on the edges of the screen in an attempt to distract the volunteer.

In some participants, response times and accuracy were significantly poorer.

Writing in the journal Psychological Science, Professor Lavie said: "People come away from our test thinking they've done really well and haven't been distracted at all when in fact their response times increase and they tend to make more mistakes.

"Distraction at work can have serious implications - it is known to be associated with a higher risk of being involved in various types of accidents.
"There are many areas where productivity critically depends on the ability of staff to stay focused."