As part of the government’s roadmap to cautiously lift restrictions, Richard has welcomed the announcement that businesses of all sizes, including those with fewer than 50 employees, can register from today to order free lateral flow tests for their employees.
Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus in workplaces without knowing. Rapid testing detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission. Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, or needing to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak. It will form a crucial part of the government’s plan to gradually and safely ease restrictions as we get back to a more normal life.
So far over 3,500 businesses are signed up to offer workplace testing programmes, and over 14,000 have registered their interest in offering rapid testing, with many already rolling tests out.
Businesses have until 31 March to register for the government’s workplace testing scheme, which will remain free until the end of June. All those who can work from home should continue to do so.
MP for North East Bedfordshire and Member of the Business Select Committee said:
"Regular workplace testing is a vital part of our route back to normal life and is already working well in larger companies whose workers need to be on site to do their roles – but we want to go further. That is why we are now expanding our offer of free testing to businesses of all sizes, not just those with 50 employees or more. This testing will help identify new cases quickly in workplaces - helping to prevent outbreaks at work and protect employees as we continue to cautiously lift restrictions.
"Keeping people safe as they return to work is central to our plan to lift restriction."
Alongside the roll out of the vaccination programme and following the ‘Hands, Face, Space’, regular testing is a vital tool to stop transmission as sections of society are reopened.
The expansion of asymptomatic testing is already well underway in larger companies for those who need to leave home for work. Both private and public sector employers have signed up to provide rapid testing at asymptomatic testing sites, along with a self-test option for those that cannot access a workplace testing site. This includes the UK’s largest employer – the NHS, those working in adult social care, education staff and a wide range of other sectors.
An online portal has been launched for businesses to find out more about offering rapid workplace testing. Businesses will be provided with all the information they need to plan and deliver their testing programme, along with promotional materials.
All local authorities in England are now offering rapid lateral flow testing for small businesses if they can’t offer rapid workplace testing. Businesses can find their local test site online.
