CBI lobbies for cuts in Covid social distancing

BRITAIN’S biggest lobby group is examining whether a relaxation in social distancing coupled with more frequent testing could provide help to manufacturers.

The CBI has floated with Government the possibility of using Test to Release – used in foreign travel – to allow employees to work more closely together, which could help to improve productivity.

The Test to Release system allows travellers to cut their ten-day isolation period in half if they test negative.

Arnaud Touret, founder of Covid Home Test, said tier 4 restrictions imposed on London earlier this month had triggered thousands of cancellations from clients, which include financial services firms.

An increase in workplace testing expected in the New Year, combined with the roll-out of vaccines, should help parts of the economy to get moving once again.

A pilot involving 30 firms, including John Lewis, is already in operation. The retail group is rolling out testing to 40 locations after a successful thrice-weekly testing trial at its warehouse in Milton Keynes.

Sources said the Government is considering a range of incentives and subsidies to help with the costs of testing.

CBI chief policy director Matthew Fell said vaccines, testing and relaxing social distancing rules in ‘ closed environments’ could make workforces ‘more resilient’.