Companies should retain access to free Covid tests for workers, unions say as scheme deadline looms

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The further extra cost of tests would have a crippling effect on many businesses, pushing many to closure and risking further job losses.” She continued: “Instead of adding to the financial burden, the government needs to review its test and trace system to allow people to be released from self-isolation through testing, a move that we have already called for.” Amid concerns over numbers getting “pinged” by the NHS Covid app – or deleting it to avoid the risk – the government is planning to change its sensitivity to avoid millions being told to self-isolate this summer. “Testing is an important part of our fight against the virus, which is still very much out there with growing numbers of infections, so it is crucial that test kits remain available free of charge, particularly for low-paid key workers.” The government says businesses who cannot set up testing for employees can ask workers to check if they can get a rapid lateral flow test at home or at a UK test site. The government confirmed this week that members of the public would be able to order lateral flow tests online or collect them at pharmacies for free asymptomatic testing until at least the end of August. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Anyone in England can continue to order free LFDs online until September 2021, with a policy review planned for this date.” They added: “Details of any extension of the programme will be set out in due course.”