Lateral flow tests are a fast and easy way to test whether people may be spreading Coronavirus without exhibiting symptoms. These provide results in 30 minutes, and are being provided free to businesses registered in England with employees who cannot work from home.

You must apply by 31st March 2021.

These tests are NOT to be used if employees are exhibiting symptoms. If this is the case, they should order an individual test and self isolate.

Find out more about lateral flow tests, what they are, how they work and how effective they are, by following this link.

If you are a Limited Company, you can apply here.

To register for the free tests, you will need:

• Your company name.
• Your company registration number.
• Your email address.

If you are a sole trader or a partnership, you will need to apply by email, to p-and-psector@dhsc.gov.uk.

You will need to include in your email:

• Your business name.
• the number of employees you have.
• Your email address.
• Your industry or sector your trade in.

There is some guidance around workplace testing which includes suggestions around frequency of testing and the reasons for it, which you can find here. We would recommend checking with your HR advisor before you start the process to ensure that your plans are in keeping with your existing handbook and policies.

Local councils in England are also offering lateral flow tests at centres around the country. You can find out where these are located by following this link. The gov.uk page around this says that new sites are being opened every day.