Free rapid lateral flow tests for businesses

Businesses in England now have the opportunity to order free rapid lateral flow tests, which can be used to test employees twice a week in the workplace.

Once registered, from early April 2021 any business who has more than 10 employees who cannot work from home can order tests for employees to collect from their workplace and use at home twice a week.  The deadline for registration is 11:59pm on 12th April 2021, and it is suggested all businesses register for this service, even if they are currently closed.  The procedure for registering for this service is via the gov.uk website, a link for which is in the Further reading section, below. 

Alternatively, employees who have no coronavirus symptoms may wish to arrange for a rapid lateral flow test from a local test site instead.  These tests are free, and employees will be provided with results 30 minutes after taking the test.  Please see Further reading section for more details.  

Please note: Any employee with symptoms of coronavirus should order a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and remain at home until they receive their test results.  

Further reading:

Employer registration for free rapid lateral flow tests
Finding a rapid lateral flow test site in your area
Get a PCR test sent to a home address (coronavirus symptoms only)