Labour comments on the Government’s announcement on lifting covid restrictions on 19 July

"Once again, businesses have been left to scramble with confusing and contradictory advice, with Ministers ducking doing the right thing and loading responsibility onto Britain’s firms.

"Ministers are passing the buck to businesses and individuals with vague and unclear advice, encouraging but not mandating the use of masks as well as the NHS Covid Pass, with no details about how this would work, and the sectors and businesses in scope. Inexplicably they are also ending the provision of free workplace testing.

"Ministers should continue to mandate the use of masks, continue to provide lateral flow testing for workplaces, and give workers the right to continue working from home if they can. And they must also urgently consult with businesses and trade unions about vital new guidance to keep employees safe."