Support For Your Workers

• Self-referral – enables workers and members of their households who have symptoms to book a test directly using the online system
• Employer referral – allows employers to refer workers for a test via a secure portal. Employers will need to obtain a login by emailing portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk with their organisation name, nature of their business, region, and names and email addresses for two users. Contractors may find it more efficient for clients already registered for their essential workers to request the test on their behalf.

Build UK has partnered with Eurofins to offer a COVID‐19 testing service. Testing is most effective when undertaken in line with a regular schedule, and Eurofins is offering both Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Lateral Flow testing on site at exclusive prices for Build UK members.

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) has published a presentation on the support available for businesses to introduce asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing in the workplace. The Government has expanded its COVID-19 workplace testing programme to include all businesses in England, including those with fewer than 50 employees. LFD tests are being provided free of charge until the end of June 2021. You can register via the Government’s online portal by 31 March 2021. Companies can also access the Community Testing Programme (CTP), which may be a more effective and efficient way of testing the workforce.

Build UK has published a simple guide to the Government’s workplace testing programme.

Accommodation for Construction Workers

Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors Website to help construction workers find local accommodation when working away from home. With more hotels re-opening across the country, the Open Doors Website will only offer accommodation to those working in lockdown areas.

Construction Talent Retention Scheme

The Government’s Construction Talent Retention Scheme (TRS) is now live! The online portal aims to help avoid skilled people leaving the sector where they lose their jobs, and help find other roles within construction.

Companies can register and will be able to load vacancies onto the portal, and individuals who are looking for work will be able to have their own profile. The TRS model has been used successfully in other sectors such as automotive and aerospace.