BUSINESSES across the district are being urged to take part in the Covid-19 testing programme to help stem infection rates.

The plea has been issued by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which worked with Bradford Council and the NHS on a pilot scheme which saw businesses with large numbers of staff unable to work from home conduct weekly tests.

The initiative has now been backed-up with a national Government offer for firms with more than 50 employees.

Mike Cartwright, for the chamber, said: “While lots of businesses have many of their staff working from home, there are still those that need most or all employees on site. So when the local programme was established to carry out community testing in Bradford, we asked that businesses be included.

“It’s important that we bring an end to the disruption and uncertainty caused by Covid-19 as soon as possible and so we’re asking businesses to consider staff testing, either via the national or the local scheme. It’s vital – for everyone’s wellbeing – that we get the economy back up to full speed as soon as possible.”

Businesses can send staff to public testing sites or get kits delivered to their premises, provided there is a secure disposal procedure for spent items. Contact the chamber on policyrepresentation@wnychamber.co.uk or 07827 318681.