Some things to consider when deciding whether to offer free testing in the workplace could include the size of your company, the industry you work in and whether you can afford to cover the cost of testing for your workforce.
If you work in an industry where employees are in close contact with others or hygiene is key, such as hospitality or care, then it would probably be a good idea for you to provide workplace testing and pay for the cost.
On the other hand, if most of your employees work from home or on their own, for example, as drivers, then there is little to no benefit to be gained.
You cannot be criticised for making free Covid tests an option, but you may find your employees do not use them, in which case you will have wasted your money.
At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make. Are you comfortable and able to provide Covid tests to your employees at no cost to them, do you require regular tests (dependant on sector industry), or will you leave the entire subject of testing down to your employees’ personal choice?
Some people feel strongly about regular testing, others cannot wait until they no longer need to take them.
If you feel you cannot afford the expense or that it is not necessary for your business, then there is probably no need for you to pay. Your Covid policy should reflect your stance on this, making it clear whether you require employees to take regular tests as well as who will be responsible for the cost and the business policy on what happens if an employee tests positive.
You may decide that you still want employees to stay at home when they test positive for Covid, but are not unwell, even where no legal requirement exists, to reduce the potential for transmission in your workplace. Employer instructions to stay at home are normally accompanied by full pay. Normal sick pay rules will apply when an employee tests positive and is too sick to work.
If you have done all you can, so far as reasonably practicable, in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of your staff, then you will be compliant with current legislation.
My best advice is to set everything out clearly in your Covid policy so there can be no misunderstandings.
Peter Done is managing director and founder of law firm Peninsula
