Lateral flow testing provides the opportunity to quickly screen for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Typically, results are available in 15-30 minutes. For businesses, this offers a speedy and efficient means to protect people in the workplace. Donald Moore, Chair of Stockport-based schoolwear manufacturer Rowlinson, discusses how the company has adopted the process.

 

“We are lucky to be able to establish lateral flow testing in our workplace and are very grateful to the superb Stockport Council for providing this for us. In fact, with the help of the Council, we’re the first manufacturing organisation to do this in Stockport.

“We’ve been thinking about what a great thing it is to help protect our colleagues and their families; particularly when we’ve all seen the tragedy and trauma that the pandemic has caused. It’s also a clear indication that Stockport Council really cares about the organisations in their community and everyone employed there.

“We’re now offering lateral flow testing for our colleague community of 50 people, although some are on flexi or full furlough (and on 90% of their usual pay).”

“We trained four colleagues to carry out up to 35 tests. We will be testing our workforce twice a week. Most of the training is undertaken via an e-learning package, with an additional offer of face-to-face training should you want to access it. This allows a team to run through the testing process from registration to taking a swab and processing with a facilitator on hand.

“Stockport Council provides all the training and materials, full PPE and a named Sector Support Officer to guide and support throughout. We’ve created a dedicated safe area on our premises to carry out tests. We also pay for the safe removal of waste as well as the time for training and to do the tests.

“The test result is confirmed within 30 minutes and sent electronically to NHS Track and Trace.”

“Of course, anyone who has symptoms should not come into work and arrange a test at gov.uk or call 119. For us, lateral flow testing is part of our comprehensive approach to safeguarding colleagues; helping to identify anyone who might have Covid-19 but is not experiencing symptoms. It’s all about caring and acting for the good of everyone.

“We’ve all heard the horror stories of how some bad employers are treating their colleagues, including workers denied time off work with bosses saying they are short staffed. Far too many businesses are not paying colleagues to self-isolate, who are forced to take much-needed annual leave to attend Covid-19 testing, or to self-isolate. The pandemic has highlighted the huge contrast between good and bad employers. The actions of unscrupulous employers have probably contributed to the high number of positive cases.

“In our view, if you are a good employer and you have the resources, you should encourage everyone to take a test and self-isolate on full pay.

“You should look to establish lateral flow testing, mobile or on-site. You should put the safety and health of all your colleagues first, even if that reduces profits. That’s what been a good employer is all about and your colleagues will ultimately improve your business with better customer and colleague retention, higher productivity and better profits. We want to thank Stockport Council for their amazing support to businesses like ours. Also, to thank all the heroes who are helping us navigate the pandemic.

To learn more about lateral flow testing contact your local Council. For further information on Rowlinson, please click here.