The End Of Free Tests: What Does It Mean For Business?

From 1st April, millions of people from across the UK will no longer be eligible to receive free lateral flow testing from the Government. This has ramifications for organisations that have been reliant on employees conducting their own tests prior to entering the work environment.

Our recent LinkedIn survey found that 60% of employees expect their employer to provide free Covid-19 testing from 1st April.

Here are 3 ways in which the change on 1st April could affect your employees:

Employees Paying The Price

In the UK, Inflation (RPI) has risen to 7.8% - its highest rate since the early 1990s.  At the same time, real wage growth has remained stagnant, squeezing the cost of living for many UK workers. This looks set to be accentuated by National Insurance increasing by 1.25% on 6th April. To add to this, the price of unleaded petrol is now over £1.60 per litre, meaning the cost of filling an average tank of petrol has risen to almost £88 according to The Guardian.

These costs will be taken on principally by employees, many of whom are concerned about additional costs in obtaining Covid-19 tests. Businesses can support their people through this challenging time with a workplace Covid testing programme and by distributing lateral flow tests.

More Frequent Workplace COVID-19 Outbreaks

Some of the businesses we have spoken to have said they do not intend to provide their employees with tests as the Government regulations no longer require people to self-isolate following a positive result. However, COVID-19 cases increased by 52% last week, and as more people continue to re-enter close cohort environments, such as an office or manufacturing facility, now does not seem the time to abandon workplace testing.

By bulk purchasing lateral flow tests that include a validated email resulting service, you can keep track of your staff’s COVID-19 status and alleviate the risk of an outbreak occurring on your businesses’ premises.

Lower Productivity

In 2022, many people have settled into hybrid working patterns as it gives them greater flexibility and a better balance between their work and social lives. The net beneficiary of this change has been business with UK labour productivity 2% higher in Q4 2021 than before the pandemic (Q4 2019).

The end of free testing risks throwing out this equilibrium; if employees choose to stay away from the office following the end of free testing, businesses will no longer be able to benefit from getting the whole team in the office and the creative environment collaborative working fosters. By continuing to test, employees can remain in control of their working patterns and innovation can continue to fuel businesses' recovery.

Cignpost Diagnostics is a UKAS-accredited provider of COVID-19 testing for businesses. For a free consultation on how testing can help you secure your business and protect your people, email: info@cignpostdiagnostics.com