One week left to apply for workplace testing programme

Businesses have just one week left to sign up to the government 's workplace testing programme.

Under the scheme, businesses receive free lateral flow tests to test their employees which can deliver a result within 30 minutes.

Lateral flow tests are used to detect the virus in individuals whoare not displaying any symptoms and businesses are encouraged to test their employees up to twice a week.

Businesses are responsible for setting up a test site on their premises and training staff to carry out the testing.

The scheme was previously only open to employers with more than 50 employees, but has now been made available to businesses of all sizes.

The scheme will remain free until the end of June.

Firms looking to introduce workplace testing have until 31 March to register their interest.

For more information and to sign-up click here.

Businesses also have until the end of the month to apply for the existing government grant schemes which are being administered by local authorities.

The Local Restrictions Support Grant Schemes which provide grant funding to eligible businesses that have been affected by coronavirus restrictions will also close on 31 March.

Click here to access the Chamber 's Covid Support Grid for further information on the current government support schemes and how to apply.

Daniel Clarke (pictured), policy manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Workplace testing is going to play a crucial role in breaking the chain of transmission and keeping the infection rate under control as the UK economy begins to re-open over the course of the next few weeks and months.

“Testing in the workplace can help to protect those employees that are unable to work from home and enables businesses to identify cases quickly to prevent potential workplace outbreaks which could impact their operations.

“Businesses should ensure their employees are tested regularly to help them remain open after the restrictions have been lifted and I would encourage any businesses that feel they would benefit from introducing their own workplace testing facilities to apply before 31 March deadline.

“For those businesses that are unable to set up a workplace testing site, local authorities are continuing to offer community rapid testing sites and you can find further information on your local council 's website.

Local authorities are also expected to announce further information in the coming days on the new restart grants which are set to replace the existing local restrictions support grants.

“Government grants have been a lifeline to many businesses and the GBCC will continue to keep businesses informed of the latest financial assistance being made available to them and how to access it through our Covid support grid. ”