Pubs urged to register for free workplace testing

29-Mar-2021 - Last updated on 30-Mar-2021 at 11:07 GMT

Workplace guidance: free rapid testing will be available until the end of June (image: Getty/Ilze Kalve)

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The Government is calling on businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, to order rapid testing in preparation for reopening.

From Monday 12 April, operators with at least 10 workers can access the tests, which will be free until the end of June, and businesses can register here.

Workers can collect the test from their workplace and use at home twice a week and businesses are still urged to register now if they are remaining closed after 12 April so they can order tests in the future.

Breaking chains of transmission

Small business minister Paul Scully said: “Twice weekly rapid testing plays a critical role in safer working, stopping the spread of the virus and that's the key to breaking the chains on transmission.

“Yesterday (Sunday 28 March), the Department of Health and Social Care announced from early April, from workplace collect, employers with 10 or more workers will be able to order tests for their workers, to collect from their workplace and complete at home.

“That builds on the existing workplace testing offer that employers with a workplace in England who can't work from home, can sign up for free on site, rapid workplace testing including those that are still closed, due to lockdown.

“Employers must register by 12 April for both of these routes and free testing will be provided until the end of June.”

Extending the offer

Workplace testing is recommended for all those who have to leave home to go to work, Scully explained.

He added: “I'm encouraging as many businesses as possible to sign up for free testing kits, the expansion of the offer to include home testing will help many businesses with smaller premises where testing may have previously been impractical, including smaller pubs and retailers and I'm glad we have been able to extend that offer from the end of this month to 12 April.

“We know offering workplace testing only may not be possible for employers so all local authorities do offer community testing from local test sites.

“More than 60,000 businesses across the country have already registered for workplace testing. I am going to continue engaging with businesses of all sizes, all types especially hospitality and retail and we are going to continue doing everything we can to support them.”