Gillian is backing the Government’s call to employers of seasonal agricultural workers to help keep the nation safe and restrict the spread of Covid-19 by registering for free workplace testing.
This follows the introduction of a new bespoke testing regime for international arrivals this weekend, which extended the supply of free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests to employers of seasonal agricultural workers in the edible horticulture sector. These workers play a vital role on many of our local farms and within the areas comprehensive network of glasshouses.
Employers of seasonal agricultural workers who register for workplace testing can now access free tests to help meet this testing requirement, which will protect growers from having to take on the greater costs of regular PCR testing, which could save an estimated £10m for growers across the country.
Seasonal agricultural workers will be able to access these tests through several routes, including home tests and community testing sites. They should remain on the farm for the 10 days after they arrive, except where necessary to access testing.
Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has written to employers of seasonal workers, encouraging them to take up this offer and register to deliver regular testing of their workers.
Gillian Keegan, Chichester’s MP said, “Our local economy is hugely dependent on our thriving agricultural and horticultural industries that rely on season labour to pick and maintain their world-class produce.
Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, so workplace testing will help to identify individuals who may be carrying the virus quickly to stop it from spreading. It also means that the workforce can get straight to work in Covid-safe conditions – saving time and money.”
Employers must register for the programme by 12 April to receive a supply of free test kits until the end of June – to find out how visit: www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests
