The BBC says the UK government’s Covid test scheme to prevent workers having to self-isolate is a “pointless solution” because it excludes supermarket workers, according to the boss of the Iceland chain.
“It’s only depot and factory workers so it only fixes half the supply chain issue,” Richard Walker told the BBC.
Smaller food delivery firms have also complained they still do not know if they qualify for the new scheme.
Daily testing for some critical sectors in England was launched on Monday.
The government’s move came after several industries warned of staffing shortages caused by 10-day isolations after people were “pinged” – identified as having had close contact with someone who has Covid.
Mr Walker said that there is “plenty of stock to go around” but that his staff are having to work “very hard to keep the show on the road”, with the problems of the driver shortage and staff having to isolate.
“There’s a lot of red tape in getting these testing centres set up, it’s a nightmare so with three weeks to go, in my view, it’s simply not worth the effort.”
He said Iceland had still not received any information regarding additional testing centres for its depot workers and that the plans “feel a bit like spin”.
