Covid testing lab set to close at end of month
400 EMPLOYEES PROCESSING 50,000 SWAB SAMPLES A DAY
A COVID testing lab employing more than 400 people is to close.
The Lighthouse Lab, in Loughborough, opened in November with the aim of processing 50,000 tests a day.
It is being decommissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and will close on March 31.
The Mercury has been told the last test was processed on March 8. DHSC has not confirmed or denied this but a spokesman said the site is not closing early.
A source linked to the site said: “You have to ask why? Does this mean it has been decided to plateau or cut back the number of Covid tests per day?
“The Charnwood Lighthouse Lab was operating economically efficiently and was meeting turnaround time targets.
“I understand the equipment is owned by and the rent is still being paid by DHSC.
“PerkinElmer was paying the staff, who have been given two weeks’ notice but stopped working on March 10. The last test was processed on March 8.”
PerkinElmer’s human resources manager, Mark Lukac, posted on LinkedIn: “The PerkinElmer Charnwood Laboratory will close at the end of the month, having completed its six-month contract.
“During that time, a new lab was set up in two months.
“In three-and-a-half months more than 1.8 million Covid sample results were issued. I am so proud to have been part of this amazing team.
“A total of 430 staff came together from a variety of backgrounds, changing jobs, moving homes, sometimes moving countries to be part of the fight against Covid.
“If you receive a job application from one of the Charnwood PerkinElmer lab staff which meets your minimum requirements, please give them an interview.
“I am sure you will not be disappointed.”
The Mercury asked the DHSC the reasons for the closure and what will happen to staff.
A spokesman said: “Over the past year, the UK government has built the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history.
“Our testing system has continued to evolve, turnaround time has improved and new technology means we can process hundreds of thousands of tests a day in one lab, and respond to increased demand as needed.
“Testing must remain a vital part of the response to Covid-19 as we cautiously ease lockdown restrictions, but this improved system means we are now able to consolidate our laboratory network to achieve the best value for money while reducing our overall national laboratory capacity.
“As part of this consolidation, the Charnwood Lighthouse lab contract will not continue beyond spring. Capacity needs to be evenly distributed across the country and with multiple labs nearby everyone who needs a test will be able to get one, quickly.”
A spokesman for PerkinElmer said: “As part of the Covid-19 Pillar 2 testing network, PerkinElmer was awarded a contract to operate the testing facility at Charnwood with an end date of March 31.
“On February 26, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed operations at Charnwood will cease on March 31, as initially contracted.
“We have communicated with staff in Charnwood who have worked tirelessly and played a vital role.”