Tens of thousands of businesses will receive free coronavirus testing kits until the end of July
Tens of thousands of businesses will receive free coronavirus testing kits until the end of July, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The Government scheme to provide employers with free lateral flow kits was due to end this week.
But former Health Secretary Matt Hancock told The Mail on Sunday it would be extended to the end of July, saying: ‘We know how crucial this is to helping protect employers and employees by providing speedy results that break chains of transmissions and stop cases becoming outbreaks.
Extension: The Government scheme to provide employers with free lateral flow kits was due to end this week
‘This rapid testing brings the twin benefits of saving employee hours and saving businesses lost revenue.’
The scheme was first extended from the end of March after calls from firms as part of The Mail on Sunday’s Tests at Work campaign.
But now CBI president Lord Bilimoria says a further extension is needed.
He said: ‘Government must continue targeted support for firms affected by restrictions by extending business rates relief for the worst-affected sectors and should set out the future of workplace testing beyond July.’