Workplace testing (UK-Covid)

Some employers and third-party healthcare providers may want to introduce their own internal testing programmes outside of NHS Test and Trace.

NHS Test and Trace is for those who display symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been advised to take a test by a medical practitioner or public service. Employer and third-party healthcare providers wishing to provide a test to staff must not advise individuals without symptoms to get a test from the limited supply offered by the NHS Test and Trace service, but may offer alternative private provision.

The government first published guidance on 10 Sept 2020.

The guidance was updated several times since, and on 26 Feb 2021 was updated –

Updated to reflect the ongoing evolution of private-sector testing. In particular, updated advice in relation to lateral flow device (LFD) testing, routes to access testing, and a more comprehensive supplementary annex for employers and third-party providers wishing to offer workplace testing for asymptomatic employees.

The guidance is here.

Note CE marking is replaced by UKCA marking. Information on UKCA marking is here.

Existing CE marked goods may continue to circulate on the GB market in 2021 under transitional arrangements.

CE marked goods may circulate in Northern Ireland under the Protocol, UKCA goods must be marked UKNI in the Northern Ireland market (see the UKCA marking link).