GMB Union has described plans to ease covid test rules as ‘undoubtedly a bad idea’.
From 11 January, covid testing rules are to be eased for people without symptoms, who will no longer need to confirm a positive lateral flow test with a PCR. [1]
Dan Shears, GMB Director of Health and Safety, said:
"This is undoubtedly a bad idea - it suppresses official figures and ensures asymptomatic carriers will never be identified.
“It is also clear recognition that the testing system is stretched beyond breaking point by Omicron.
“This decision will have another very significant implication: Workers who have asymptomatic covid, then develop long covid, will not be able to substantiate their condition.
“Workers face losing both support and pay in the future, through no fault of their own."
