Workplace testing programme expands to offer free rapid home testing

Please see the latest bulletin from DEFRA.

• Government makes rapid home testing available for all businesses with over 10 employees who cannot offer on-site testing
• Businesses must register interest by 12 April to access free tests
• Over 60,000 businesses already registered for regular and rapid tests for employees

Over 60,000 businesses across the country have already registered their interest to provide rapid tests to key workers. From 6 April, the workplace testing programme will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site, due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.

Businesses across the country will be eligible to order the home test kits online to distribute to their employees. These self-test kits will be picked up by staff from their employer with clear instructions about how to take the test. Staff will then complete the home test in the normal way, before reporting their results to the NHS using the provided gov.uk address.

The workplace testing programme uses lateral flow tests (LFD) to rapidly detect the virus in 30 minutes. Swift detection of cases means those who test positive can isolate immediately and, in doing so, break chains of transmission and suppress the virus.

The offer of free test kits through this programme is open to businesses in England, but they must register their interest by 12 April deadline in order to qualify.