BUSINESSES in Bradford are being encouraged by the local Chamber of Commerce to engage in a testing programme to stem the infection rate of Covid-19.

A pilot scheme which has involved businesses with large numbers of staff unable to work from home conducting weekly tests, has now been backed up by a national government offer for those with more than 50 staff.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has been working with Bradford Council and NHS representatives to help facilitate, first, the local pilot and now the national scheme in the fight against the pandemic.

The business support organisation has been sharing information to help support the economy, and is now calling on local businesses to consider regular testing of their staff.

Mike Cartwright, from the Chamber, said: “While lots of businesses now have many of their staff working from home on a part-time or full-time basis, there are still those that need most or all employees on site.

“Manufacturers are the obvious ones that spring to mind, but there are others, of course.

“So, when the local programme was established to carry out community testing in Bradford, we asked that businesses be included as one potential group to target.

“It’s obviously important that we bring an end to the disruption and uncertainty caused by Covid-19 as soon as possible, and so we’re asking businesses to consider staff testing, either via the national scheme, or the local one.

“It’s vital – for everyone’s wellbeing – that we get the economy back up to full-speed as soon as possible, and initiatives like this are part of the solution.”

Businesses can send staff to public testing sites or get kits delivered to their premises - this is as long as they have secure disposal procedures for spent items.

Lateral flow testing is being carried out St George’s Hall in Bradford city centre from 9.30am until 5pm Monday to Sunday and at Airedale Shopping Centre, Keighley, 9.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 4.15pm.

These sites are only for people who do NOT have symptoms.

Lateral flow tests are fast Covid-19 tests and normally take around 30 minutes. The aim is to identify people who Covid-19, who are asymptomatic, to help stop the spread.

Details of the national scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests.

You can register to order tests if: your business is registered in England; you employ 50 people or more; your employees cannot work from home.

Locally, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/health/health-advice-and-support/coronavirus-testing-in-bradford-district/ or call 07871 832638.

Alternatively, businesses can contact the Chamber on policyrepresentation@wnychamber.co.uk or 07827 318681.