Mandatory Covid test - workplace

[Etherel]

My employer has mandated (via text message, no less) that all staff must take a LFT and provide evidence of this on arrival in a few days' time.

A quick Google search shows that refusing to comply with such a testing requirement may well be considered a disciplinary matter.

I am fully vaccinated and LFTs make me physically sick. Two big reasons why I am considering to protest. But, aside from my personal issues, is this not just too invasive in general?

Nobody actively enjoys doing covid tests. They are unpleasant. It's just tough. I gag until I've got nothing left to give - so much so that I get shooting pains down both arms. You just have to get on with it. Suggesting it's 'invasive' and some sort of human rights violation just makes you look like someone who looks for things to object to. These tests aren't for no reason. You're not so special that any covid you catch won't be passed on to someone else, with potentially dire consequences. Everybody has to do their bit so we can get back to some sort of normal one day.

I think it's a perfectly reasonable request.

@DiscoDown21

I don’t think it’s ridiculous request to be honest. If it helps keeps workplaces safe. Covid cases will rise when schools get back and they are at a high level already. Vaccinated people can still catch Delta as we know now immunity from infection starts to wane.

Im NHS staff been doing ones for ages and we only do the nose. So just do that maybe. Order some online from the link they come the next day.

are they actually a new type of test or just new instructions? I got a pack of lft when they were first offered as my sis visits often (we were bubbled together when bubbles were a thing) and I thought if I had symtoms I would need to test and tell her not to come. I have got a nighmare gag reflex so checked the instructions when I ordered them and found that, although they weren't shouting about it, nose only was valid then for folk who couldn't do throat. If its a new type I will order some more, if new intructions then I won't.

I've only ever swabbed my nose, people without tonsils have had to do this.

Same as every poor school kid has to this week. They make them gag too. Just get a nostril only one.

@flumposie

I've only ever swabbed my nose, people without tonsils have had to do this.

No, if you don't have tonsils you just swab where they would have been.

Found this online:

Can employees refuse COVID testing?
In short, yes, UK employees can refuse to be tested for coronavirus. It’s an employee’s right to decide whether or not they take a COVID test, not their employer’s.

Some companies may have the right to take disciplinary action if an employee refuses to take a reasonably and proportionately required COVID test. Defining when that’s the case, however, isn’t always easy. It will depend on:

An organisation’s specific circumstances, in terms of their industry and work premises
How significantly testing will contribute to a safe working environment
Whether alternative safety measures could be just as effective to minimise risk

And even if mandatory COVID testing is seen as a reasonable requirement, whether an employer can legally sanction employees who refuse to take a test is a different question. That’ll depend on specific contracts and employment terms.

Some companies could have medical testing clauses already in their employment contracts, for example. If that’s the case, implementing a mandatory COVID testing policy could be more viable.

But even then, there is no legal precedent to determine what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to mandatory COVID testing in the workplace. You’ll need to consult a lawyer before taking any action.

www.coronatestcentre.com/post/can-employees-refuse-covid-testing

No idea if it’s a reputable source or not but there’s loads of other info available online.

Yes, exactly. Dh hasnt got tonsils and we've been doing the ONS trial for over a year, he still has to swan his throat. I've never read anything to say you don't swab your throat with no tonsils.

sorry I messed up my quote from SoupDragon there

**omg now I messed up the bold function

I don’t see an issue with this OP. Order the new tests, they will be with you tomorrow.

As others have said, they’re nasal now so won’t make you gag. Unless you’re really doing it wrong Even when they were throat swabs, a lot of people gag doing them but have still had to do them. Anyone who has wanted to visit a relative in a care home, anyone working in health or social care, anyone in education. I’ve been asked to LFTs throughout my pregnancy and my appointment letters state they may ask for proof of a negative LFT. It’s not that fun doing a throat swab with morning sickness and I’ve lost my breakfast a few times. It’s still better than unknowingly taking the virus into a confined space where it can spread like wildlife.

@Etherel - you do need to get kits from your employer. Order them yourself, they're free. Honestly, I think you're being a bit precious.

@Rachie1973 - presumably if you get a problem in a smear test you won't be contagious?

Does anyone know how to make sure you get nose only test kits? Can you actually do this specifically or do you just get whatever you are sent? I can't see any way to tell when you order via the government website.

Just order online and you'll be sent the new type off kit which is nasal only.

Thanks - but the last pack I got (last week) were not nose only.

Not only are the new swabs nasal only, you don’t have to push them up as far either. They’re so easy!

Your employer has got it spot on 👌🏾

Mind you, I don’t think OP is coming back!

Given that OP is a teacher then you would think she would want to take regular tests?

I think your employer is doing the right thing. My DH gets covid tested once a week. It puts my mind and his at ease.

They can’t force you to actually do the test. Just tell them that you have done it. There is no way of them proving whether you have done it or not.

I have to do them and often forget. This approach has never let me down.

I'm sick of covid restrictions, and I find many of the rules overkill and silly. But I don't think regular testing is a big ask or too invasive. Not a hill I'd die on anyway.

@Tippexy

Given that OP is a teacher then you would think she would want to take regular tests?

I'd have thought so.

You could be THAT person
Or you could just do it up your nose and get on with life!