Guidance For Employers On Coronavirus Testing

New guidance published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) provides key information for employers on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and contact tracing.

Amid warnings from scientists of a second wave of the pandemic, many employers are increasingly testing staff as a means of protecting their workforce.

Employer-led testing initiatives are not mandatory. However, where an employer does choose to operate its own internal testing programme for staff, they should adhere to the obligations and principles set out within the DHSC guidance.

The Guidance

The guidance contains information on available testing, and considerations for employers who may wish to set up their own internal contact tracing systems. The guidance emphasises that the NHS Test and Trace system should not be used for asymptomatic staff, and encourages employers to look to private testing alternatives instead.