Community testing scheme should be publicly run, says TUC

Commenting on today’s (Monday) statement by the Prime Minster announcing the government’s Covid-19 Winter Plan, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The tougher rules will put more pressure on sectors like hospitality and retail. Without greater support, businesses will close and jobs will be lost. The Chancellor must address this gap in his winter plan in the spending review.

“The community testing scheme must be done better than the shambolic test and trace programme. People don’t want to see more eye-watering paydays for private companies that fail to deliver the service needed. It should be publicly run, and led by public health professionals.”