Working together to reduce covid transmission in the workplace
Find out how local businesses and organisations are quickly and simply booking regular testing for their asymptomatic staff.
Whilst the news that infection rates have fallen in Telford and Wrekin is a fantastic development, the council is still concerned about workplace transmission.
We are eager to get the message out that businesses and organisations can quickly and simply arrange regular testing for their asymptomatic staff members.
It’s simple, free and a useful way to help reduce transmission rates.
Businesses can book rapid lateral flow tests online for any of the local testing centres. Results are available after 20-30 minutes, meaning teams can then head into their workplace with confidence.
We have spoken to a number of businesses about how they are continuing to manage during this challenging time and wanted to shine a light on those that are setting a great example regarding their covid-safe practices.
Telford-based ‘sweet treats’ manufacturer, Flower & White, sends its staff to The Anstice in Madeley regularly for rapid lateral flow testing.
Here, CEO Brian Crowther tells us how his company has handled the pressures of the pandemic and how rapid lateral flow testing is helping keep Flower & White covid compliant.
- Q: What impact has covid-19 had on your business?
- A: During lockdown 1 we chose to pivot and launched a range of gluten free home bakery kits. The demand was exceptional and we ended up repacking strong bread flour due to the national shortage in 1.5kg format - at one point we were converting 10tonne a day by hand! The team came together fantastically well and productivity levels rose significantly. However once the lockdown ended this business dried up overnight and left us with a lot of stock to sell through. Lockdown 2 & 3 have hit the business hard. Speciality retailers / distributers were exceptionally cautious through Christmas trading and we have seen similar behaviour for the start of 2021. Online still is thriving so we are working hard to ensure the business is maximising this opportunity.
- Q: What provisions have you introduced and did you use suppliers locally to source PPE and new equipment?
- A: Being a food manufacturer, health and hygiene standards are always very high, and close proximity working has been very difficult to avoid. We ask all staff members to wear face coverings at all times, hand sanitising and regular handwashing is demanded, areas are deep cleaned and 'fogged' (air dispersing sanitiser) daily, as well as staggered breaks, increased hand swabbing, and training provided to the team. Earlier in the year, we started weekly lateral flow testing for all the team - staff are required to test in Madeley and send their result into the factory management for evidence. Any new starters and returning staff must conduct tests prior to starting back at work also.
- Q: Tell us about the importance of safety in your workplace and how rapid testing has helped you to be fully covid compliant.
- A: Knowing the team are safe is our absolute priority. Waiting for and anticipating covid to arrive in the factory has felt like a ticking time bomb, and this causes anxiety, unrest and uncertainty across the business. Having rapid testing in place allows for confidence in factory operations and thereby consistency of supply to our customers. We have had no cases yet and plan for this to be the case until this pandemic ends.
Book a rapid lateral flow test for employees
