New key workforce Covid testing measures introduced

The Government is introducing new Covid-19 testing rules for workers in some industries in a bid to tackle disruption caused by the Omicron variant.

Workers in industries such as the food supply chain, meat processing, air traffic control, border force, nuclear power and other forms of power generation will be required to take daily lateral flow tests.

The new rules come into force on Monday and expected to impact around 100,000 staff.

However, the government is yet to release a definitive list of affected industries.

Those included in the new guidance will be sent a testing kit for every working day.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce says the Government must quickly clarify exactly which industries are affected.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The rapid spread of Omicron has clearly led to staff shortages up and down the country which has had an inevitable impact on business output.

“We welcome the move to ramp up testing in key industries and as we set out in Plan B: A Blueprint for Businesses, it would make perfect sense for the Government to reintroduce free testing kits for businesses to help quell the spread of the virus.

“Nevertheless, given the well documented challenges the Government has faced in supplying tests, it remains to be seen how effective the rollout will be over the next crucial few weeks.

“The Government also need to offer clarity as to whether those working in supermarkets and public transport will be subject to the same requirements and offer much need certainty to firms operating in those sectors. ”

Meanwhile, the Cabinet will meet today to discuss Plan B restrictions which Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated will be extended amid increased pressure on the NHS.

The Prime Minister said: “We 've got to remain cautious. We've got to stick with Plan B. We 've got to get boosted. ”

Read the GBCC 's document 'Plan B: A Blueprint for Businesses '.