Calls Grow for Free or Low Cost Covid Tests
After years of disruption, many firms are hoping for things to return to normal. But it’s not yet business as usual. The recent spike in Covid cases has caused havoc, with staff sickness impacting entire supply chains.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is now calling for all companies to be given free or cheap lateral flow tests.
The government said it recognised the impact of rising costs and had given firms £400 billion in Covid support.
But Jane Gratton of the BCC said Covid, paired with rising costs, meant this was a “precarious time” for business. The organisation, which represents tens of thousands of businesses, added that three quarters of its members had at least one person off sick in the last four weeks. It says that free or lower cost testing is necessary to ensure that both staff and customers are kept safe.
The Federation of Small Businesses has said one in seven businesses they represent could not trade as they should at the moment. The challenge is more acute for customer-facing staff in shops, bars or restaurants.
Laura Kearsley specialises in employment law at Nelsons Solicitors and is advising her clients how to navigate what they describe as a “lack of guidelines. Most businesses were glad to see the back of formal regulations but in a way they were a comfort blanket with someone making the decision for you,” she explains. “Now businesses have more discretion, but that brings a headache in itself for them.”
Laura says she’s hearing three main issues from her clients; what policies to implement for staff with Covid now free tests are not available, what to do with staff they think are not being honest about Covid symptoms because they are worried about not being paid and how to support vulnerable members of the workforce.
“In all cases, it’s important firms properly listen to their staff,” she says.
The wave of infections may be passing its peak, but working out just how business lives with Covid, could take many more months to work out fully.
A government spokesperson said: “Employers still have a duty of care to their staff, so they should take steps to prevent infection in the workplace, meaning if someone is displaying Covid-19 symptoms or has tested positive, they should be considered sick and stay at home to avoid contact with others.”
They added: “We recognise the impact rising costs will have on businesses of all sizes and we have backed businesses throughout the pandemic with an unprecedented package of support including VAT cuts, business rates holidays and government backed loans worth around £400 billion.”