STAFF working at a Covid-19 testing centre in Northwich are ‘disgruntled’ as they have no access to rapid asymptomatic testing kits themselves.

That’s according to a source working at the site on Leicester Street, which is run by G4S on behalf of the government.

Speaking exclusively to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, they added that staff now fear for their families' safety.

The insider said: “People working here are a little bit disgruntled because... they have not been asked if they want to be moved up the list for vaccination and not been offered a lateral flow test to keep their families safe at home.

“Some have come out of retirement to do it — so there are people in the late 50s who were under the impression that they would be offered a test. 

“They are also worried about passing it on to staff. If anyone has got it in your group, you would like to know straight away. 

“We see up to 130 people per day with Covid symptoms. The council run one has lateral flow tests in Winsford — but we have 13 hour days so we cannot get tested there ourselves.”

Lateral flow tests are designed to identify asymptomatic cases of coronavirus, and can deliver results in as little as 30 minutes.

In Cheshire West, the tests have been rolled-out on a limited basis for use in care homes in December.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “NHS Test and Trace staff are key workers who are performing an important role in our collective fight against Covid-19.

“The majority of staff at testing centres do not come in close contact with people getting tested, and testing sites are well-ventilated, with teams wearing appropriate PPE.

“Anyone who needs a test can get one. We have made them available at hundreds of sites across the country and to order for home delivery.”

Currently, it is not government policy to offer regular testing to its 18,000-strong workforce, the LDRS understands. 

However, if a member of staff suspects they are symptomatic then they are advised to self-isolate and book in at any site for a PCR test or via a home kit.