Roll Out of Lateral Flow Testing - Implications for RMT members

Head Office Circular NP/68/21
Our Ref: HSR/1/3
25th February 2021
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

ROLL OUT OF COVID 19 LATERAL FLOW TESTING – IMPLICATIONS FOR RMT MEMBERS

Following members’ concerns over the efficacy of Lateral Flow Testing, at its meeting on 23rd February 2021, your National Executive Committee (NEC) noted and adopted the following report of its Health and Safety sub-committee:

The General Secretary is instructed to write to Network Rail as follows:

That we do not support the use of serial Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) as a substitute for self-isolation regimes after an alert by the NHS Test & Trace App and do not endorse the proposition that staff can continue working in the workplace depending on serial LFTs rather than self-isolating. Our view is that staff alerted by the NHS Test & Trace App should follow the NHS/government advice including self-isolation

That we have no objection to the use of LFT as a general screening or surveillance regime in the workplace

That participation in the trial will be entirely voluntary and members will not be compelled to participate. If a member decides not to participate they will not be put under any detriment.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.

I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you advised of developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary