As you are probably aware, if you are a business owner, there is strong evidence to suggest that having a robust and regular workplace Covid-19 testing programme can help to stop or at least slow down the spread of the disease. Although it is voluntary, it can help build better trust and confidence in your staff who may still be feeling apprehensive about coming into work and not giving their best. Furthermore, it can also prevent individuals from taking time off to self-isolate that don’t necessarily need to.
If you have yet to organise a workplace testing programme, you may be wondering what options there are for you. That’s what we are going to discuss in this post.
The Different Workplace Testing Options
There are three different options outlined by the government at Gov.uk. These are:
- Employer-Led Setup – The DIY Approach
- Through a Third-Party Provider
- Community Testing
Employer-Led Setup – The DIY Approach
The first option is the DIY approach to workplace testing. As an employer, you are free to make your own arrangements for an on-site Covid-19 testing programme. This would be outside of the one that currently exists in line with the Test and Trace service operated by the NHS.
There is more information available at https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae regarding how to register to order Covid-19 tests for your staff.
Through a Third-Party Provider
As workplace testing is not mandatory and does not need to be completed through the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care knows that there are various third-party private sector providers of Covid-19 testing who are non-NHS. Like Pure Testing, these organisations have undergone the UKAS accreditation process to be able to offer this service and can provide on-site testing services. A full list of registered providers is available at the following link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing.
Although employers need to cover the cost of these services, they can still order free testing kits from the government, by registering here.
It is your responsibility as an employer to make sure you have enough test kits on-site and by partnering with a third-party provider to conduct the tests, it is still your responsibility to make sure your staff are tested appropriately.
Community Testing
The third option you have for workplace testing in community testing. If your company either operates in the private or public sector and has less than 50 employees, you can access testing through the local authorities in your area who have testing sites for asymptomatic individuals. To find out more about this, whether you are self-employed, sole trader or small company, you need to check the website of your local authority about their Covid-19 testing services and facilities.
Although there is no pressure from the government to carry out workplace testing, most experts agree that it is a sensible course of action. If you would prefer the assistance of a third-party provider for workplace testing, why not consider contacting Pure Testing. They have the facilities and the experienced and fully qualified staff to provide just what you need.
